Historian, author, editor, educator Remy Benoit's ongoing weblog for Veterans, writers, students, others who believe in learning from and making history. Thousands of articles and posts and a free writing seminar, Using History for Healing and Writing.
—"The best works by living writers on the heart of New Orleans." Miz' Remy is the author of Annie.
From the AP at MSNBC 6 years later, U.S. expands Afghan base Bagram growing after first being envisioned as a temporary home.
David Swanson: Ending the Mindset That Gets Us into War. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Ending the Mindset That Gets Us Into War.
Mr. Swanson provides some interesting ideas, some mistakes, like what is our longest war, but his words should help to make you think, to question.
Also, from Mike Guras, AP, at RSN 22 States, plus D.C. Unite Against Citizen United. One person, one vote...not corporation billions and Rove getting their way.
One cannot buy freedom...one uses one's voice to protect it; to protect its interests at home and abroad; to protect its young, seven generations down the line. Campaign rhetoric takes on its own life, most of it built on hyperbole, much of it based in the stuff that makes your vegies grow. Seek truth, numbers, voting patterns, and cut through the self-serving rhetoric to where real actions impact on you.
Our Covenant. Remy Benoit
He walked the city streets at night all through the late forties. A car backfired, and he hit the ground. It is in the eyes; in the eyes where they have been, what they have seen —Oh, you’re back.
Dau Tieng. Michael Pectol
Getting Out of the Jungle. Harry Kieninger
Harry Kieninger, author of "When Can We Come Home: Understanding the Viet Nam Vet," served for six months as a combat medic at Cu Chi. He offers his advice and experience about how to come home.
Touching Creation. Remy Benoit
Commentary on Absolution. Michael Pectol
Where Did I Go?. Marla
Have you had many days where you felt like you Shattering? Here is one reader's advice a journey to a new self.
Peace Is a Can Do Thing. Remy Benoit
The natural extension of " Life, Liberty, and Happiness," is Peace for the planet. Realities begin with visions; take form with words; take on life with actions. "If not now, when; if not by me, by whom?"
Reflections on the Attack at the World Trade Center. John94
I have shared this country's, the world's numbness for the passed twenty-four hours.
Hearts Touching, Hands Holding. Remy Benoit
We came to a new place as a nation, as individuals, two weeks ago today.
Dear Friends and Fellow Americans. Dr. Tony Kern, Lt. Col, USAF (Ret)
Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise.
The Knowledge War. Dr. Mark H. Shapiro
Knowledge and information are the keys in the war against terrorism. (Reprinted with permission from IrascibleProfessor.com)
Living with Chronic Pain. Cynthia Perkins
Pain is an inevitable part of life.
Coping with the Loss and Grief Associated with Chronic Illness. Cynthia Perkins
Living with a chronic illness has a profound impact on one's life and creates a lot of grief in response to the losses it imposes on our lives.
Open Heart Surgery. Remy Benoit
Suppose you had the opportunity to give a speech to the United Nations. What would you say?
Shared Anxiety. John94
20 Insights Into the Secret of Letting Go. Guy Finley
The secret of letting go not only hold the keys for ending what is unwanted, but locked within this same supreme secret is the beginning of a new life - the birth of a new nature that never has to hold on to anything because it already is everything. Let the following special insights speed you on your way.
Opening of the D-Day Museum. Remy Benoit
War has been defined as many things; among them a "breakdown in diplomacy" and "hell." It is both of those, but it is so very, very much more.
Stories, Personal Expressions, and History Lessons. Remy Benoit
Eyewitness accounts can be very valuable sources of historic events. Like the one below, they can be extremely poignant sharings of events that altered lives. In the case of this story, the event recalled was one that changed history.
The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. Remy Benoit
A special project in connection with Using History for Healing and Writing.
Three New Choices That Dismiss Dark Conditions. Guy Finley
The only thing most of us know to do when life takes an unwanted turn, bringing us what we don't want, is to take a turn for the negative ourselves. And when the circumstance in question really makes a wreck of things, not only do we summarily reject the event seen "at cause," but for good measure we often will turn our wrath upon our own lives, pronouncing them "not worth living!"
The U.S. Military Academy. Courtesy U.S. Military Academy
The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the Nation.
A Brief History of West Point. Courtesy U.S. Military Academy
West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America.
Cancel Self-Wrecking Resentments. Guy Finley
What's a dark inner dialogue? Just what it sounds like: A negative tug-of-war in the unseen recesses of your mind where you're the only one pulling on both ends of the rope. Still more to the point, being in a dark inner dialogue is finding yourself losing a heated argument when there's no one else in the room with you!
Ode to America. Cornel Nistorescu
Our thanks to Evenimentul Zilei and Cornel Nistorescu, editor, for sharing his beautiful "Ode to America".
When History Talks Back: Teaching Nonfiction History of the Vietnam War. Larry R. Johannessen
This article originally appeared in the March 2002 issue of the English Journal. Larry Johannessen's approach to teaching the Literature of Vietnam is truly inspirational. Our thanks to him for his work, and to The English Journal and the National Council of Teachers of English for sharing it. "Copyright 2002 by the National Council of Teachers of English. Used with permission.
Platoon: the Real Story. Michael Pectol
Sgt. Pectol was inspired by a new television show on the Fox Channel called Heroes. It brought to mind for him some special heroes who are part of his personal history. He sent this letter to John Kasich at Heroes and has agreed to having it posted here with some editing for clarity of content. Thanks Sgt. Mikie!
Design of Tribute to Veterans Unveiled. Paul Purpura
This article is reproduced here with permission from the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Our thanks to the Times-Picayune staff who consistently brings Veteran's Affairs to the reading public. Our special thanks to Paul Purpura, West Bank Bureau for patiently putting up with my requests to share the information he presented with you all. From the Times-Picayune, Sunday, April 14, 2001, Metro Section.
Brothers. Patrick Shine
Patrick Shine shares his thoughts with us concerning serving in Vietnam, the Brotherhood of All Soldiers, and the value of sharing time and memories with comrades in arms at reunions.
Letters to Those in Active Service. Michael Pectol
Sgt. Michael Pectol, http://277arty.tripod.com shares his thoughts with us on the importance of sharing our thoughts with those we have sent to defend us. Thanks for sharing, Mikie; and thanks for still being the one who looks after us all.
87 Year Old Veteran Feels Forsaken. Remy Benoit
The Times-Picayune of New Orleans ran a Letter to the Editor today, Sunday, April 28 2002 entitled “Sick veteran feels forgotten”on page B6.
A Plea for Healing with Forgiveness. Remy Benoit
I know it has been a long, long time for many of you to be carrying the hurt all tied up with the Vietnam War, but I am asking you to consider what I am saying here.
Expect a Masterpiece. Steven Goodier
Steve Goodier has graciously consented to share some of his inspiring motivational articles with us from www.lifesupportsystem.com
Sharing. Remy Benoit
Just after I put up A Plea for Forgiveness three pieces of writing came to me from three friends from the States to Australia. They have given me their permission to share them with you. These are words of healing, words of forgiveness, and words of hope.
A Good Place to Start Healing. Remy Benoit
I sat down this evening with Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul, intending to read a story or three. That was quite a while ago. I have cried, I have smiled, and I have been deeply touched.
What Does the Word PEACE Mean?. Remy Benoit
I have asked some people to write on the subject: What are the major obstacles to peace? Two questions came from a friend yesterday: “Just what is peace? What does the word mean to each person?” Those are good questions.
The Power of Forgiveness. Steve Goodier
Steve Goodier shares with us a story of forgiveness about Abraham Lincoln and a Civil War soldier.
What War Is From the Perspective of Children. Remy Benoit
A recommendation for a special UNICEF book: I dream of peace: Images of war by children of the former Yugoslavia. Preface by Maurice Sendak. Introduction by James P. Grant, Executive Director, UNICEF. 1994 I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Children’s Drawings and Poems from Terezin Concentration Camp 1942-1944 by Hana Volavkova, Editor, 1978- 94 And a plea from the United Nations and the Global Movement for Children
Find Personal Freedom in the Principles of Invisible Justice. Guy Finley
Guy Finley is graciously sharing with us once again here at WelcomeHomeSoldier. Today he speaks of Invisible Justice and its role in our lives. Thank you, Guy.
An Open Letter to the Boomer Generation. Remy Benoit
Generation Y Shares With Us. Remy Benoit
I asked several classes of high school young people to share their ideas with us relating to the question:What do you feel are the major obstacles to peace?
A Boomer Answers: Who Are We?. Janet Kieninger
I am delighted to share with you the first answer to my question of the Boomers: Who Are We?
Generation Y Continues. Remy Benoit
We continue with the voices of the young on the obstacles to world peace. Because of their comments, I am adding a few links to sites that will help us achieve tolerance toward each other.
Got a Problem?. Steve Goodier
We all have problems. What new, creative ways can we think of to solve them. Albert Einstein once reminded us that we could not solve our problems with the same thinking that originally caused them.
Salute to the Nurses of Vietnam. Harry Kieninger
Harry Kieninger served as a medic at Cu Chi in ’67. He is the author of When Can We Come Home? Understanding the Viet Nam Veteran. Please visit with Harry.
WELCOME TO THE NEW www.welcomehomesoldier.com. Remy Benoit
This is a place for you, no matter what kind of war you have known, to find help to write yourself home.
Some of you have known active battlefields, faced fear, known courage, known loss on foreign soil, in foreign waters, in foreign airways. Some of you have known pain at home when those closest to you, for whatever reason, have become the enemy. Some of you have let yourselves down and carry the pain of what might have beens. Some still feel the pain of a decades old incident in a classroom.
DayBook. Remy Benoit
Many of us keep journals, day books, diaries, travel journals. All of life is a journey as most of us have come to know.
At this point in time, it is my desire to write on topics related to ideas covered in the seminar. For today, I am including two DayBook entries that I feel expand some of the ideas covered.
If you have a story to tell of someone who helped you along the way, please do send it to us. Share your joy as a way of encouraging others to be there.
You Can Help: The Veterans’ National Stamp and Coin Club and “Project Outreach”. Remy Benoit
Formed more than 29 years ago this group is a nationwide distribution center to other VA Medical Facilities. There are over 600 active members throughout the United States and abroad. The stamps and coins acquired from donations are used for treating Veterans with service related medical problems.
Integrity in Writing. Remy Benoit
Perhaps you have come to a point with all this work where you are ready to begin a serious involvement with a piece of writing.
Perhaps you have been having “conversations” with your principle characters; perhaps the time and place of your story are clear to you and you have done enough research to be able to let your writing flow in that particular time and place.
You have studied your market, know what is selling, what is on the top ten list,or the made for tv movie of the week.
Your paper, or your invisible paper, is in front of you.
Just remember what you write, what you put yourself into with everything you have to give, becomes part of you, and is, of course, an extension of you.
This is where you must be carefilled; this is where you must ask yourself what is my true mission with this piece of writing, this extension of me?
Ask real questions of yourself, of your characters and you will find real answers, not rationalizations. Give you characters, and yourself, room to grow.
Write with truth, write with compassion; write with integrity.
Dear Steven. Remy Benoit
I received your letter tonight and tried to answer through the e-mail address you sent. However, it came back through the mail administrator. So I am hoping that you see this.
Here is my response to your letter.
Looking for Historical Information?. Remy Benoit
Are you familiar with The History Net? It is run through About.com
If you are looking for information on any war,or any period of history to help you with your writing, you will find a good beginning there.
Visit With a Friend, the Cloudpuncher, Tony McNally, and With The Forgotten Soldier.com. Remy Benoit
War is not new; it has been a pandemic plague throughout history.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is its partner.
Visit with Pharaoh Press, UK. Remy Benoit
For those of you who visit from the United Kingdom and the continent, as well as from so many other places around the world, I invite you to visit with Sue at Pharaoh Press.
People. Remy Benoit
140 Nations have signed the International Mine Ban Treaty. The United States has not.
Those Who Will Listen Will Learn. Steve Goodier
On this anniversary of the horror of September 11th may we all join in prayer to honor those we have lost and for guidance.
Steve Goodier's, Those Who Will Listen Will Learn, has some special thoughts to share with us today.
Something Very Precious. Remy Benoit
We are a nation in mourning; we are a nation of determination.
We are a nation who gives heartfelt gratitude to all of you across the world who touched us yesterday, who reached out to us a year ago as we reach out to the citizens of all the other countries who ache with us, sharing the loss, sharing the grief.
We are a People who know what it means to live with FREEDOM.
USO. Remy Benoit
For over 60 years the USO has provided services to the families and to our military personnel.
A Temperate Response. Steve Goodier
Steve always shares wonderful thoughts with us.
His words today of great importance.
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. Remy Benoit
Our Vietnam Veterans have been waiting for decades for a Welcome Home.
Now we have an opportunity to do this; to ease the pain the lack of that has brought them.
It does not matter what your position on the war was, these Veterans are our national family. They are not prodigal sons wanting to come home now; they are sons pushed out into the cold, scorned by their national family and carrying big, big hurt.
It is up to us to assuage that hurt and to learn what we can for future generations from this engagement.
Reference places and pictures to help you. Remy Benoit
These are some sites that may be of help to you in writing about history, or the current events of today.
In Memoriam. Remy Benoit
Stephen Ambrose passed on Sunday morning in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Tom Brokaw said of his friend:
He was kind of America's Historian.
A Reminder. Remy Benoit
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Petition
Books That May Interest You. Remy Benoit
I have been reviewing books for quite a while now.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. Remy Benoit
As many of you are aware, there is a National Veterans Project.
For Charlie Brown from the Men of C 3/22. Patrick Shine
Last Tuesday, October 15th, Charlie Brown was honored in a beautiful and moving ceremony at Brookside Funeral Home, and then interred in the last bunker he will ever have to be in at Brookside Memorial Cemetery.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Et. Al.. Remy Benoit
There are many ideas around about the situation concerning homeless Veterans.
For some discussions on this topic, and how to help, please visit the following websites. These are just a few of many: if you have a favorite please send it along and I will post it.
Rethinking Schools. Remy Benoit
I came upon an interesting site today that I would like to draw your attention to.
Memory Lane. Remy Benoit
This was handed to me today in the office. A little piece, author unknown, called "How Did We Survive?"
It is a good indicator on how much the world has changed at a personal growing up level.
Day Book, October 28, 2002. Remy Benoit
The air outside here this morning is liquid and warm, heavy with the scent of mold. I got a call from Buffalo that they are expecting snow by the end of the week. The clocks were turned back this weekend to Standard Time. It is autumn.
Autumn is the time for bringing in the harvest; it is also a time for evaluation of the summer’s crop and preparation for the winter’s trials
Review of Musings: Writers Do It Write!. Remy Benoit
A group of women writers has come together to present you with a wonderful gift.
Their free-e-book: Musings: Authors Do It Write! is a journey through the realities, the commitment, and the joys of the writer’s life.
USA Patriot Act/Constitution/Bill of Rights. Remy Benoit
This is a web link to the USA PATRIOT Act as passed by Congress
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (Oct. 25, 2001)
HR 3162 RDS
Children in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
The French Entertainer, Charles Aznevour, sings a song called Children of War.
It opens with the line, "There are children of war who have never been young."
Profile: What Can One Person Do? Meet Charlie Black. Remy Benoit
You won't find Charlie on the shelf with Hemingway, or Proust, or Joyce, or Wolfe.
You will find Charlie at Silver Spurs - A Troop, 3/17th Air Cav - Special Feature
I suggest you pay a visit to PTSD Support Services. Remy Benoit
When you visit this site, you find that the first words you see are WELCOME HOME.
I am aware of how sweet those words can be.
Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
On November 11th we honor our Veterans.
It has been a long, long time since the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh month when silence broke out across the bloodied trenches, across No Man's Land.
Something Special from Daily Guideposts.
I received an e-mail about Veterans Day.
What was in it was special, so with permission from Daily Guideposts: Your Source of Inspiration, I invite you to go to:
Veterans.
We Can Help Each Other. Remy Benoit
Teach them politics and war so their sons may study medicine and mathematics in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music and architecture.
John Adams
Forgotten Soldier. Remy Benoit
Who is the Forgotten Soldier?
Do you know one?
Are you one?
Veterans Day Speech.
This speech is being shared from Frackville, Pennsylvania this Veterans Day.
I wonder how many of us thought of the true Essence of the Day. Perhaps this will remind us to.
Dave Bowen, thank you for Sharing.
Thank Those in Active Service. Remy Benoit
Tonight you are at your keyboard, watching the television, enjoying a hot meal, and/or a hot shower.
Gratitude. Remy Benoit
The holiday season is upon us.
It is a time of great expectations, and also, very often a time of great disappointments.
We often expect too much of ourselves and too much of others.
How can we change that?
A CALL. Remy Benoit
WE CAN MAKE HISTORY, OR HISTORY CAN UNMAKE US!
What is your story?
What have you learned?
It's About Hunger. Remy Benoit
Thanksgiving is upon us.
The markets are filled with food.
Many stores are beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Many of us will spend the holidays with loved ones at abundant tables.
But many will spend them alone with very sparse tables.
Many years ago in a classroom a young man asked a simple question. He asked it with tears in his eyes, after a detailed explanation of trade, tariffs,embargoes, etc.
He asked the question of me.
"But why do people have to go hungry?"
We are still searching for an answer to that young man's question.
You can help with just a click to a website:
Hunger Site.
Welcome Back Warrior. Paul Rubin
From Phoenix New Times comes the story of a Marine.
It is a story you will understand.
That saddens me just as the tale of this Marine's journey to try to come home does.
A Question That Needs To Be Asked. Remy Benoit
This is a question that needs to be asked, and we are the ones to be asking it.
If the VA is having problems now keeping up with the needs of our current Veterans, what provisions are being made to tend to the needs of those yet to come from the areas where we are sending those on active duty?
Milestones in American Documents. Remy Benoit
We have a long history of a great thirst for freedom.
We have proven that on many battlefields, including here at home during the Revolution.
We have a debt to pay; a simple one, a vital one.
Some Thoughts About Words. Remy Benoit
Meister Eckhart, 1260-1328, conveyed a simple truth:
"The purpose of a word is to reveal."
Brave Pages: A Site You Will Appreciate. Remy Benoit
I am a very strong advocate of oral history. We need to know who we were; where we came from, and who helped shape our values to know who we are and who we can be.
Rethinking Schools. Remy Benoit
We are responsible for what is taught in our schools.
We are responsible in making sure that all sides of all subjects are presented.
Christmas at Okinawa. Remy Benoit
Have you ever been away from home and those you love for Christmas? If you have, you have some idea of what this soldier is trying to tell us.
If you haven't been away from loved ones and home, try to imagine how it would feel to not only be away but to be in a battle zone for Christmas.
December 7, 1941. Remy Benoit
Today we remember.
Today we still mourn.
This day in history was, indeed, a Day of Infamy.
Meet John Thompson -Photos/Graphics. Remy Benoit
Are you working with an old photograph for your writing?
Is it looking murky, cracking, fading?
Does it need restoration?
Are you ready for a terrific cover design for your book?
Season's Greetings. Tony McNally
This comes to us from the UK.
It comes with shared feelings; it comes to us with great understanding.
Mack is a Veteran of the Falklands War and the author of Cloudpuncher.
And coming back to you, Mack, is a big hug and lots of love.
Christmas Day, 1966: The Bob Hope Show.. Harry Kieninger
We are taking a trip down memory lane.
Tonight we give you Christmas at Cu Chi, 1966.
The words are Harry Kieninger's. You may visit with Harry at Medic.
The photo is courtesy of Mike Pectol, focus11b from Arty.
The soldier in the picture, decorating a tree from home, is Phil Costantino, focus11 from '66-'67.
Thank you for sharing.
And, Bob, "Thanks for the memories."
Blessings for the New Year. Remy Benoit
The day is beginning to darken, the last evening of 2002. Here fireworks are legal, and they are popping already.
Our New Year's greeting is a simple one from so many lifeforms with whom we share this beautiful planet.
Some Reading Recommendations. Remy Benoit
As we are all aware, the world grows smaller everyday. The fact that we are so interconnected demands of us that we begin to accept that deep connection. Jean Houston, in her A Passion for the Possible: A Guide to Realizing Your True Potential makes this deep connection quite vivid for us:
Every sniff brings the world through your nose. It has been estimated that in any given three-week period, some molecules of everyone on this planet pass through you breathing apparatus-your aunt Annie, the president of France, a giraffe in Kenya.
We're Back!. Remy Benoit
Sorry for the inconvenience the last few days - a server upgrade.
With the new year in full swing, with talk of war in the air, I thought this to be a good time to direct you to a special essay by Robert Olen Butler.
Iraq: some views. Remy Benoit
There is much in the news about the severe problems in Iraq.
There is much to consider when a country speaks of the possibility of war.
Most of you know; many of you have been through it.
Below are links to a variety of viewpoints:
Cloudpuncher by Tony McNally. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
Our lives are made up of all kinds of relationships.
Each type of relationship implies some kind of mutual responsibility.
One of those relationships is between those we send to serve, and we who send them. I usually refer to this particular relationship as a covenant: if you will be there for us, we will be there for you.
Cloudpuncher.
Watching Men Burn.
Not For Queen or Country by Edward Denmark. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
This is an honest book, an account of life in the military by a man who served as a British soldier in Northern Ireland and in the Falklands War.
Denmark notes that his initial attraction to the armed services had a lot to do with extravagant recruitment posters of soldiers skiing, of soldiers walking sunny beaches. It also had a lot to do with relief from the drudgery of factory work. In fact, after a brief hiatus from the military, Denmark re-enlisted and attempted Para training.
Iraqi Question. Remy Benoit
There are a wide variety of positions on the question of making war on Iraq.
Project Hearts and Minds: A Mission of Reconciliation.
Project Hearts and Minds.
This is a non-profit volunteer group which includes Veterans.
Their mission is reconciliation.
They hope to "put a human face on the tragedy of war."
President Bush's Budget Proposal. Remy Benoit
The Veterans Administration is there for ALL Veterans.
Problems with the VA are common knowledge.
You may find President Bush's Budget Proposal for 2004 - A Blueprint for New Beginnings at:
Blueprint for New Beginnings.
Veterans for Common Sense. Remy Benoit
War is a serious thing; a very serious thing.
Veterans for Common Sense is an organization founded by Gulf War Veterans that provides articles about the proposed war on Iraq as well as open debate.
Veterans for Common Sense.
Say Hi to a GI.
You can send a message to those in active
service.
Let them know we are there for them now and will be when they come home again.
Say Hi to a GI.
Global Security.org.
From the Military, to Homeland Security, to Intelligence and Space, you will find reports, ideas, documents at Global Security.
An informed citizenry is the backbone of a democracy.
A Fateful Decision. Pat Shine
I asked Pat if I could share this with all of you.
His answer was yes.
His hope is that perhaps it will help one of you make the Fateful Decision and end the feeling of being alone.
I add my prayer to his hope.
Looking for Books?. Remy Benoit
If you are looking for books to purchase this is an interesting place.
ABE Books.
There are over 1 million titles just on the subject of war.
If there is something special that you are looking for this might be the place to find it.
They also carry First Editions for those of you who are seeking something in that category.
Veterans Rights and Benefits. Remy Benoit
This morning I draw your attention to some articles being run at
Veterans for Common Sense.
Power of Words. Remy Benoit
Today there are two sites to direct your attention to that come to us courtesy of Rethinking Schools.
YOU were soldiers once, and young. Remy Benoit
This article in the Washington Post caught my eye this morning.
To Gulf Troops,Vietnam is History.
To Gulf Troops, Vietnam is History comes to us from Camp Coyote, Kuwait By Peter Baker and Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, March 5, 2003; Page A01
A Familiar Name. Remy Benoit
With the airing of the TV movie,The Pentagon Papers, this week, I was asked Who is Daniel Ellsberg?
Who was this marine, this "clerk" who went through over 7,000 pages of documents and then leaked The Pentagon Papers and why did he do it?
Health Care and Our Troops. Remy Benoit
All of us have concern for those in activity duty today. Many of you know all about health care issues and our Veterans.
What are the Politicos Saying About the Proposed War?. Remy Benoit
This afternoon I thought this article would be of interest to you.
US Representative John J. Duncan ( R-TN )
speaks out for the conservative position:
Conservative Position on the Proposed War.
Senator Calls for Probe of DoD Healthcare. Press Release - John Kerry
Senator Calls for Probe of DoD Healthcare
Is all being done that should be done according to the "November 18, 1997, President Clinton signed into law Public Law 105-85, which required the DOD to develop and implement a medical tracking system for service members deployed overseas?"
On the question of oil. Remy Benoit
There have been questions raised about oil and the proposed war.
Who gains from the oil wells?
Who will be responsible for them?
Would Saddam level them?
Just War - or a Just War. Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter shares his ideas about the proposed war with Iraq in the New York Times: Just war - or a Just War.
Pledge Allegiance to Our Troops. David Hackworth
David Hackworth's name is well known.
He shares his concern for our troops at
Pledge Allegiance to Our Troops.
atVeterans for Common Sense.
A Variety of Positions. Remy Benoit
The basis of a successful democracy is citizen involvement and voice.
Here are some viewpoints about the proposed war on Iraq.
Proposals Concerning Iraq Continue. Remy Benoit
The debate goes on, the suggested time frames continue being argued, the demand lists alter.
So here are some of the features of today's positions:
On Line Opinions on the Proposed War. Remy Benoit
There are many groups, pro/anti war.
These links will show you were different groups stand on the issues.
Stand By Our Troops.
Whatever is coming, whatever your feelings about it, remember those we sent to serve are our flesh and blood...
THEY ARE US.
WE MUST STAND BY THEM.
At the Brink. Remy Benoit
Last night President Bush gave Saddam Hussein an ultimatum.
Today the world reacts.
March 19, 2003. Remy Benoit
It is a beautiful morning here in New Orleans while we wait.
For those of you on the front lines, our prayers are with you.
Operation Dear Abby.
Operation USO Care Package. Remy Benoit
Because of security needs, the USO has devised a plan to get "care packages" to our troops.
The USO has played a vital part in the lives of our service people for a long time.
Verities of War. Remy Benoit
It is the first day of spring here in the States.
We are at war.
We have lost some of our own: a marine from the 1st Expeditionary Force, as yet not identified pending family notification, and four of our US Troops as well as 8 from the UK in a Marine helicopter crash.
Oxfam America Fact Sheet on Humanitarian Implications of Military Action in Iraq. Remy Benoit
We are in a war to aide the people of Iraq, to liberate them.
With that comes a huge responsibility for their post-war welfare.
There will be disruptions in an already disrupted country with food, sewage, water, sanitation, child and prenatal care, etc.
Veteran Teach-In CSPAN LIVE TODAY. Remy Benoit
Today, Saturday, March 22, at Kay Chapel, American University Saturday, March 22, 1-5 pm live on CSPAN join a Teach -In concerning issues relevant to current situation
For details, speakers, etc.: Teach-In.
Budget Cuts and Veterans. Remy Benoit
For an overview of proposed budget cuts regarding Veterans:
Major Veterans Groups Battle VA Budget Cuts The American Legion.
Veterans Against the Iraq War.
The strength of a democracy is in its voice.
In many parts of the nation there are protests against the war, while at the same time standing in support of our troops.
One of those collective voices is;Veterans Against the Iraq War.
For international reaction: BBC News
Sunday. Remy Benoit
These are some of the headline articles of the day:
Sunday Night. Remy Benoit
We mourn the loss of life in this confrontation and share the grief of all those loses touch. Indeed, each life lost touches us all.
Our prayers are with those taken as Prisoners of War.
Monday, March 24, 2003. Remy Benoit Monday Evening. Remy Benoit War and the Media. Remy Benoit Commentary on the Media. Remy Benoit Uprising ?. Remy Benoit Our Fallen Troops. Remy Benoit Baghdad. Remy Benoit Dolphins and Mines. Continuing War Coverage. Remy Benoit The War on the Web. Remy Benoit The Troops Are US. Remy Benoit Keep the Home Fires Burning. Remy Benoit The Verities of War. Remy Benoit The Numbers Grow - The Pain is Felt at Home. Remy Benoit The Dreaded Knock on the Door. Remy Benoit The Power of Words: Crusade/Jihad. Remy Benoit Congressional Perogatives. Remy Benoit Discussions on Post War Iraq. Remy Benoit Welcome Home, Jessica. Remy Benoit Benefits for Military. Looking Toward Post War Iraq. Remy Benoit Again, the Power of Words. Remy Benoit Reconstructing Iraq. Remy Benoit Homefront. Remy Benoit What next for Iraq and Saddam? and US. Remy Benoit New Developments. Remy Benoit Curfew. Remy Benoit Vietnam Veterans and the Iraq War. Remy Benoit Anguish. Remy Benoit Something to Share - A Common Soldier. Remy Benoit Syria - Cradle of Civilization - Modern Day. Remy Benoit Dennis Who?. Remy Benoit Iran. Remy Benoit France. Remy Benoit The Verities of War and PTSD. Remy Benoit Perspectives. Remy Benoit Doctors Without Borders. Remy Benoit Aftermath of War: Artifacts and Plague. Remy Benoit Artifacts Returning/Life in a Post War Country. Remy Benoit Women in Combat. Remy Benoit Letters Home. Remy Benoit Curators Gather to Help Restore Iraqi Antiquities. Remy Benoit A Tribute to Gunner Callan. Sgt. Greg Aurandman World War II Memoirs from Canada by Stan Scislowski. Stan Scislowski Malaria/Mefloquine/Lariam - Are there problems with these?. Remy Benoit America Library Association to Help Iraq. Remy Benoit Writing World.com/NewsTrove.com. Remy Benoit For Those of Us who are Grand/Great Grandparents. Remy Benoit Some Peace in War. Stan Scislowski Will you Help to Heal the World?. Remy Benoit Freedom to Read. Remy Benoit A Number to Consider. Remy Benoit Just a Thought. Remy Benoit The Search for WMD. Remy Benoit In the Wake of War. Remy Benoit Roses and Freedom. Remy Benoit Mass Grave South of Baghdad. Remy Benoit What We So Take for Granted: Freedom of the Press. Remy Benoit International Conscientious Objectors Day May 15. Remy Benoit The Personal Side of War. Remy Benoit Children of War. Remy Benoit A Nightingale Sang - or did it?. Stan Scislowski What will happen to the Baath party members in Iraq. Remy Benoit Is a different path possible?. Remy Benoit The Clergy and the Major. Remy Benoit What is the future of the Iraqi Army?. Remy Benoit Memorial Day. Remy Benoit A Special Message From a World War II Veteran to All You Vietnam Veterans. Stan Scislowski Concern from Amnesty International. Remy Benoit FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA COME GREETINGS: HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, BOB HOPE. Remy Benoit Pointmen of the American Ideal. Capt. Douglas (Sandy) Cohn, USA (ret.) VA: 275,000 Veterans Homeless Every Night . Ohio State Senator Jim Carnes Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune Hide and Seek. Remy Benoit Anybody from the 22nd out there named Mobley?. Remy Benoit Rumsfeld in Europe. Remy Benoit Flag Day and Happy Birthday US Army. Remy Benoit The Verities of War. Remy Benoit Down Memory Lane. Remy Benoit The Strength of Human Endurance. Remy Benoit Sharing the Planet. Remy Benoit Bush and Iran. Remy Benoit Who are the fighters crossing into Iraq to take on American Forces?. Remy Benoit Korean War Anniversary. Remy Benoit History of Korean War. Remy Benoit Questions Being Raised. Remy Benoit While we celebrate the coming of summer, our troops are still engaged. Remy Benoit Casualties Continue to Mount and Questions Continue to be Raised. Remy Benoit Vietnam Collectors/Reenactors. Remy Benoit Not a GI, but a Real Trooper None the Less: Today we mourn the passing of Kate Hepburn. Remy Benoit Where are the WMD?. Remy Benoit Happy 4th of July !. Remy Benoit US Troops Abroad . Remy Benoit In the News. Remy Benoit We are back to the meaning of words again. Remy Benoit More on the topic of real Patriotism. Remy Benoit Costs Climb in Iraq. Remy Benoit Investigations into Chemical Tests on Military Personnel Continue. Remy Benoit Bastille Day. Remy Benoit Senator Robert Byrd, July 11, 2003. Remy Benoit Disabled Veterans of America. Remy Benoit Is this the "R" Word Again?. Remy Benoit National Guard Role Expands. Remy Benoit More losses of our troops. Remy Benoit Those We Send. Remy Benoit Up Close and Personal. Remy Benoit Two Landmarks. Remy Benoit Is There a Veterans' Memorial Park in Your Town?. Remy Benoit Down History Lane. Remy Benoit Remember the Blood of Heroes. Turning Things Upside Down. Remy Benoit Hunger in the US. Remy Benoit For Tim O'Brien Fans. Remy Benoit
The war continues with much fighting.
Prisoners of War are entitled to the humanitarian rights outlined in the Geneva Convention: Geneva Convention.
From the Washington Post: Display of 5 POWs Draws Firm Rebuke U.S. Warns Iraq on Televised Images By Bradley Graham and Jonathan Weisman Washington Post Staff WritersMonday, March 24, 2003; Page A01
As fighting comes near to Holy Cities, this article will help clarify feelings about these areas.
From Fox News:
Background: Karbala and Najaf By Paul Wagenseil.
Mass media, like mass anything, often, usually, does not reflect all the nuances of a situation.
War is a fierce and bloody thing.
What is the role of the media in wartime?
What are the responsibilities of the media?
As has been said, 'war is not a video game.'
It is brutal and messy and very harsh.
Death is an integral part of it.
Troops being taken as Prisoners of War are an integral part of it.
How much of its truth should be shown?
Why should viewers be offended by the real face of war?
Does honest reporting not show the real face of war?
How much should the children see?
How do we show consideration for the family members of those who fall or are taken prisoner?
Just how much reporting should be given to troop movements? When does that become dangerous to the troops?
Early reports are coming in on an alleged uprising by Shiite Muslims of Basra.
We mourn the loss of our troops; we all share the grief of their families. We are all family.
To those who are on this battle front, we send our prayers for your safe return.
Blessings,
Remy
Baghdad is a very old city.
It is now under seige.
Many have left.
Those who remain who wish to see the end of Hussein's reign are fearful.
From CNN: Dolphins aid Iraq mine-clearance.
War is a tentacled thing, its blood soaked arms clawing into military and civilian lives.
There are many positions concerning the war in Iraq.
All around the country and the globe there are demonstrations both anti and pro.
This war is also being discussed at great length around the world on the web.
I was deeply disturbed reading the article linked to below this morning.
I do not, in any way, believe that this reporting reflects on the character of the people of this state. This incident could have taken place anywhere. Probably has; probably will.
Many of you who are Veterans of the Vietnam War have had this kind of experience. Although the insult was decades ago, I know from what you tell me, the pain is fresh.
This was an act of a handful of young people.
Nevertheless, age does not excuse this kind of behavior.
One of the realities of war is that of the families and friends waiting for news at home.
The battlefield leads to many questions.
All that lives have known before comes undone.
And that leads to confusion, pain, and very often, later in life Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The gods of war know no satiation.
Daily the numbers grow: KIA, MIA, WIA, POW.
Our hearts, our prayers are with all of them and all who wait.
And while they serve, their children wait. How can we help them with that? What can our communities do to reach out to these children?
The daughter, the son, the husband...how do you tell the next of kin that their loved one is missing, wounded,a POW, or not coming home alive.
It used to be a telegram that was the dreaded messenger. Since 1955 it has been a knock on the door.
Words have power.
Words have history, have baggage, and have major impact.
Words once spoken can never be totally taken back.
The Constitution of the United States is based upon a very specific division of, and balancing of, power.
That document was framed that way for a reason.
The reason is very simple: to protect the people who framed it from any encroachments on their freedom.
Below is Article 1 of the Constitution which deals with the powers of Congress.
If you have not read this since high school, perhaps you should read it again. If you have never read it, well, it is time to read about the bicameral legislative branch that is the lawmaker and the financial conduit of this country.
The questions are being debated as to how post-war Iraq will be reconstructed.
Who will lead the reconstruction?
What will UN involvement be?
How will it be funded?
Below are some of the things being said to date.
Jessica, as a mother, as a citizen of this country, Welcome Home.
Thank you, Jessica, for your service.
Please know that all our prayers are with you for healing.
Blessings,
Remy
Lawmakers are moving to enhance benefits.
From Fox News and Kelley Beaucar Vlahos: Lawmakers Rush to Aid Military Families by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos.
As Coalition troops move into Baghdad there are various possibilities being discussed for the post war government.
How much UN involvement should there be?
What role will Iraqis play in running their country?
Who will make up the new leadership of a country being brought into a new form of government?
Emotions nationally and internationally will run high on this issue. What is its history; what is its future?
I know, again, again I mention the power of words.
But with the 24/7 reporting we are beseiged with words.
With coalition troops in Baghdad how Iraq will be constructed will become the major issue.
It is not an easy task and arguments will be heard on all sides.
There are many, many positions in this country about the war with Iraq; many, many positions about the peace and reconstruction.
Those at home send support and love to the troops in country, even when they are like Miz' Alice protesting. Join her in Canton, Mass. with this AP piece and others here on the homefront.
Amidst celebration there is war still raging.
While statues and posters fall, the Coalition looks for Saddam.
Alleged torture chambers are opened to world view.
How will Iraq be ruled?
Who will rule?
Should there be trials for Iraq's fallen leadership on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity?
These are some of today's views:
We are watching, some of us, 24/7, a regime change in Baghdad.
All kinds of questions are, and will be raised.
What will we find?
What will be the future, immediate and long range, role of Iraq in the 21st century?
The Coalition forces continue trying to restore order in Iraq.
From the AP Press and Military.com Tikrit Is Last Iraqi Holdout.
At Military.com you can join the discussion:Military.com.
Many Vets feel unable to walk away from the television screen:
From Pittsburg, the Post-Gazette and By Milan Simonich, Post-Gazette Staff Writer: War on Iraq brings back haunting memories for Vietnam vets.
During war terrible things happen and those terrible things live on in the hearts, minds, souls of those who knew them.
This war is generating a new group of Veterans who will have much healing to do; who will need help.
At the same the proposed budget calls for vast cuts in Veteran care. Is that how we keep our unwritten Covenant? Be there for us, and we will be there for you...
Domestic areas require much help.
The people of Iraq will also need much help.
Waging war brings new responsibilities, vast responsibilities.
How we meet them is a measure of who we are.
This piece was brought to my attention.
I felt it should be brought to yours.
JUST A COMMON SOLDIER by
A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
You might like to pass it along.
Syria neighbors Iraq.
It has a long and complicated history dating back to 9000BCE. It is said that this is where civilization began.
With all the talk between the US and Syria at the moment, it is good to take a look at the history and beliefs of the people who live there.
Below are some links that will help with that.
Who is Dennis Kucinich?
He is a Progressive, the sponsor of a bill for a Department of Peace.
Who is he and what does he stand for?
As the world grows smaller each and every day, it becomes increasingly important that we learn each other's history, culture, and perspectives.
Much of the history of the world is taught in huge survey courses that leave little time for close up looks at the cultures of other countries, and often, even our own.
However, with the web history is now quite literally at your finger tips.
Iran is currently in the news. Let's take a look at the historic roots of its culture.
When we fought for our independence, Lafayette was here.
When the battle was on French soil the cry of the Lafayette Escadrille was "Lafayette, we are here."
We were there on the beaches of Normandy.
They were at Dien Bien Phu.
Here in New Orleans the French heritage is everywhere as Louisiana celebrates its Bicentennial.
Below are links to the history of France, and to the history of Louisiana.
As I have said, war is an insatiably hungry thing. Even when the guns begin to silence, or are finally silenced, the experiences known in combat stay very much alive.
Very often those who serve need medical and psychological treatment. Please, make your representatives aware that we need to keep the Covenant with those we send to fight.
Support our Veterans.
There is so much in the news these last few weeks that it is sometimes hard to keep up with.
Nevertheless, that keeping up is our responsibility.
Below are some reactions to things that are going on here and abroad.
Doctors Without Borders is a humanitarian volunteer group.
They are at work in Iraq, as well as many other places, and they need your help.
The National Museum of Iraq has been looted. The questions remain: by whom, was the looting pre-planned.
Some of the lights are back on, but much of the water is not yet running increasing chances for cholera and thyphoid.
From the University of Pennsylvania Museum:Saving the Past for Future Generations:UPM's Statement on the Looting of the Iraq National Museum by Dr. Richard L. Zettler, Associate Curator-in-charge of the Near Eastern Section and Dr. Jeremy A. Sabloff, UPM's Williams Director.
Some of the treasures missing from the museum were taken into safe keeping; others did not fare so well.
There are areas of unrest between different Muslim groups, and while Iraqis ask for protection during this time of upheaval, they are also making it clear, Thank you, now please leave it to us to set up an Islamic state.
And, as always in combat, there is the toll on those we send to fight.
Throughout the upheavals of the Sixties, there was a beginning of East and West meeting, culturally, religiously, and philosophically exchanging ideas, coming to understandings. Perhaps, if we pursue it, this engagement may lead to greater understanding, communication, and compassion.
While the pros and cons of it are still being argued, the fact is, women are, and have been in combat.
Does that change the face of war?
What are the risks, the advantages?
Does it give new definition to the word equality?
What problems occur when "Moms" are in combat?
We have availability to so, so many letters home from so, so many wars.
Now we have them from Iraq, and some of them are final letters home.
They speak of God, of love, of hope, of pizza and things familiar.
For those whose letters were the last ones home, we grieve with their families. We honor their sacrifice.
The worst case scenario fears for Iraqi antiquities faced with being on a battlefront have been at least partially realized.
Many of the antiquities have been looted, damaged, destroyed.
A summit of Curators met at the British Museum today to begin outlining ways to help Iraq reclaim it tremendous antiquity heritage.
Gunner Brian Callan was a Marine, dedicated to country, duty, and his men.
What happened to him is a tale that is so sadly not unfamiliar. You may read his story in the Phoenix Times by Paul Rubin at:Welcome Back Warrior.
Sgt. Aurandman offers his memory the following tribute.
Stan Scislowski, author of Not All of Us Were Brave, Editor of Royal Canadian
Legion Branch Newsletter for 40 years, joins us from Canada.
To view Stan’s book, please go to:Not All of Us Were Brave.
Stan is sharing some of his words, his memories with us. For today we join him with:
The controversy over the Mefloquine/Lariam treatment for malaria has been brought to my attention.
It is a controversy well worth being researched.
If you have taken, or are taking this drug and having problems there are links below that will help you.
Museum Curators from around the world met to begin to help Iraq restore its national treasures.
The American Library Association in conjunction with the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is helping too.
To get the full story, please go to: ALA joins international library community in assisting Iraq National Library.
Thanks to Moira Allen and her Writing World.Com. I became aware of a special news service: NewsTrove.Com.
You will find information about the 101st Airborne, the 173rd Airborne, the 7th Calvary, and 82nd Airborne as well as a vast host of other topics from Archaeology to Web Hosting.
Those of you who know me personally KNOW that I am a book nut. I am physically incapable of resisting a book sale and have a vast, vast, vast library.
When I was a child, my favorite book was The Princess and the Goblin. One day my daughter found me a reprint of this book that dates back to the 1870's, and since then I have found a 1930's copy of MacDonald's book.
Books formed a great, great part of my youth. I recall that Princess Irene's story was in a hardback maroon cover with sort of thick beige pages. Her story has left me with a life time fascination with hidden staircases and things that go bump in the night. Her goblins and her struggle with them in their own way took me to the path of other things that go bump in the night, like war and PTSD. But keep the faith, the Princess and her Geordi were victorius over the goblins.
On the way back to the battlefront, a soldier finds some peace.
It is World War II and we are in Italy with Stan Scislowski in 1944.
Today is a special day for us here at WHS.
With tremendous gratitude to my son for endless hours of computer work, we announce the formal launching of The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
The words "Reading is Fundamental" are well known to all who live in this country.
Reading is the link that joins us across centuries. It transmits words, ideas, emotions, experience. It gives us common ground as human beings. It helps us to grow; it helps us to heal; it helps us to share.
Ben Franklin is in part a national hero because of his advocacy of libraries.
I was visiting the site of Global Action to Prevent War: A Coalition-Building Effort to Stop War, Genocide, and Internal Armed Conflict.
I came across a number there.
If there is any validity to the idea of reincarnation, and a vast amount of the world's population believes it has great validity, then consider this thought.
You chose to be alive in this time period in history.
Why?
What is the work that you are to do?
What is the work that as a unique individual can only be done by you?
Weapons of Mass Destruction in large quantities are eluding US search teams. For an update on that search, visit The Washington Post: Frustrated, U.S. Arms Team to Leave Iraq Task Force Unable To Find Any Weapons.
When a government is removed, a power vacuum is left; chaos reigns. That time is a very precarious time for a nation as people are often in favor of the return of stability, and sometimes are prone to overlooking its price tag.
US troops face a daunting task in Baghdad, as well as the rest of Iraq.
Some reports from that nation follow:
Roses mean so many, many things.
Red ones mean love.
Something said, "Subrosa" is to be kept confidential, thus the roses carved high on old conference room walls.
England had its War of the Roses.
The subject of Roses came to mind with all the talk of dictatorship, persecution, denial of rights, freedom.
CNN reports the unearthing if a mass grave, seemingly of Shiites who attempted to unseat Saddam in 1991. Iraqis uncover thousands in mass grave.
From the Archives of the Times of London we have a reminder that Freedom of the Press is a hard won civil liberty and one that must be protected. With instant cameras and satellite links, we have become accustomed to instant reportage. That, obviously, was not always so.
From the BBC interviews with four Conscientious Objectors from 4 different wars explain their positions on the stands they have taken.
'Why I would not kill in war'.
War is much more than just a break down in communications. It is human interactions in oh so many ways.
There are the terrible, deadly moments on the field of battle, and there are the awesome moments of human touching.
There is an old song called Children of War by French artist Charles Aznevour with a line that goes, "There are children of war who have never been young."
In any war, despite the best intentions, there are the realities. Those realities often impact most harshly on the children.
Those of us who are aficinados of old World War II songs know how A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
Well, now that the Lights have gone on All Over the World, maybe this will shed some light on just who did that singing.
What will become of the followers of Saddam?
Party membership was the way to advancement, to education. What price will be paid for that price?
From Washington Post.com Highlights -Iraqis killing Baath Party members -
U.S. punishment seen as not harsh enough.
Some say that we are by our very nature a belligerent species. Others are trying to prove that anthropologically we are not; that aggression is a learned behavior.
There are many factors involved in what each of us grows up to be. Environment plays its role; the amount of love and assurance given plays its. Some say that up to 70% of childhood training is in negatives: Don't do this, that, or the other thing.
In the aftermath of war the lives of soldiers, religious leaders, and civilians intermingle.
There are problems of sanitation, of customs, of expectations for the future of Iraq.
With the Iraqi Army, like the Baath Party, officially disbanded, what is the new Iraqi Army to be?
Who will be allowed to serve?
How will those accused by rank of complicity with Hussein be able to plead their cases?
What munitions will be permitted?
As we celebrate this Memorial Day holiday, honoring those who gave all to preserve who we are, a thought occurred to me.
We have come to think of the governance of this country as "them" and "us."
They are the ones elected to represent us. We are the ones who are represented.
I promised someone, a Vietnam Veteran, that one day he would see this; a letter, a statement like this.
When I read it, well, yes, you can smile and shed copious tears at the same time.
So across the years, across the wars.
Bless you, Stan, for this.
Remy
With war and terrorism having become a great part of our lives, there is a concern from Amnesty International about violations of human rights in the name of freedom.
To Bob,
From every GI who you, and your troops, gave a respite from hell; your courage is exemplary; your heart boundless, your love unconditional.
Hear our voices across this nation in song;
BOB, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
God Bless and Keep you!
A Grateful Nation
This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the West Point Class of 1968.
I received a message a few moments ago asking me to share these words, these memories with you as a tribute to a West Point Class with several members who did not come home.
I stood one day a few months ago with the man from this class who asked me to run "Sandy's" Memorial Speech as he pointed out who was who in their graduation picture. Too often during those very poignant moments he said naming one of them after another for me, "He did not come home."
I feel touched, I feel honored, to post Captain Douglas Cohn's, tribute. These men gave all for Honor, Duty, Country.
For those of you here to read these words, Welcome Home. For those of you who have gone on I know, somehow, someway you understand how your brothers feel, how very much you are missed and how inadequate words seem to be when it comes to saying Thank You for giving the ultimate for the country you love. We pray that the Lord showers you with His Blessings; we send you our very personal, Welcome Home.
They serve their country.
Sometimes they go off to war with flags waving and crowds cheering.
Sometimes they come home, if they come home, to parades and crowds cheering.
Sometimes they come home to derision and neglect.
They are our Veterans.
We're back. Been moving from one house to a new one, but back on line now, even if I haven't yet found the can opener!
Seems there is some controversy a brewing about the WMD's and credibility.
Got the note below a little bit ago...so if your name is Mobley and you were with Delta Company 3rd of the 22nd from 4/1/68 to 4/1/69 there's a buddy named Al looking for you.
Defense Secretary Rumsfield makes some statements about the old and new Europe and about the possibilities of nuclear weapon development in Iran
Today is Flag Day and it is also the birthday of the United States Army.
Fly the colors and thank a Veteran for protecting them.
War is a hungry, devouring thing. At present there are about 30 going on around the globe.
Join Steven Rosenfeld and Chris Hedges for What Every Person Should Know About War.
Being a first year Boomer, I remember growing up in a world that was Them and Us. There was the Korean War, East German Uprising in '53,reported below; the Hungarian Revolution of '56; Sputnik; the Guns of October; and, of course, Vietnam.
Do you remember the bomb shelters? The question: Would you let your neighbors in?
All of which brings us to the old adage: The only constant is change. Yesterday's enemy may be today's friend. How can we enlarge our vision to know that and to work with it.
For those of you who weren't there, who didn't know the insanity of MAD ( Mutually Assured Destruction ), here are some links to take you back to those not so wonderful times:
History is full of tales of the depths of our will to survival. The tales are the type that fill us with wonder and awe and make us ask ourselves could we endure what this person did.
The name of Jawad Amer Sayed joins the ranks of those whose will to survive astonishes us. He lived inside a false wall in his home about 100 miles southeast of Baghdad for 22 years.
I have just moved back to the country. I believe there is something in us Boomers that draws us back to the land.
Two huge live oaks stand centinnel in the front yard that you come to from a lumpy, bumpy road. Across the road from us is the Global Wildlife Center, so when I get my mail, I am greeted by all sorts of our co-habitors on this planet grazing in innocence, unaware of the capabilities for destruction of their human brothers.
When dark falls here, it is a deep, deep penetrating dark that even blinks out the massive live oaks.
A rooster crows in the morning, a horse pastures on the bumpy road.
It is a good reminder that once all was not cement, city lights and parking lots. It is a good place to touch Creation. So when I read Jane Goodall's words this morning they stuck home.
President Bush said he " will not tolerate " nuclear weapons in Iran.
From the New York Times and David E. Sanger:
Bush Says U.S. Will Not Tolerate Building of Nuclear Arms by Iran By DAVID E. SANGER.
While the war may be "over" Iraq is far from stabilized. American Forces are confronted with loyalists to the still missing Saddam who appear to be recruiting others to help fight their cause.
I was 4 years old when the Korean War started.
I remember the newsreels that brought terrible pictures of terrible cold, death, destruction.
The grandpop of one of my son's friends served there, doing ID's from dentures. When he came home, well, someone said to him, "Oh, you're back." Not exactly a ticker tape parade that.
So, here we are, all these years later. In a couple weeks, my fourth novel, Loving, will come out from Pharaoh Press.
In it there are four battle scenes: one from the Meuse Argonne; one from Anzio, a "real life" situation that plagued my deceased father-in-law until he passed on, so that one is for you, Sgt. Tony.
The third one came from my memories of the Korean snow and was written with my medic buddy, Harry Kieninger. who served at Cu Chi. This one is for you Grandpop Dick, and for all of your buddies who did not hear a resounding Welcome Home at the time. We thank you for your service. Welcome Home.
The last scene is in the tunnels at Cu Chi, a place that has been called the most devastated battlefield in the history of warfare.
To all of you, who served in all these endless wars, thank you for your service, and Welcome Home.
To those of you in active service, our prayers are with you.
History is our heritage. Knowing it impacts on our future. Not knowing it hampers our development.
We cannot teach "feel good" history, not "Pastology." It does us no good.
To understand and build our future, we must know our roots.
Our concern, as always, is with those at the front. Our prayers are with them all the time.
Questions are being raised, serious questions, about Iraq, its future, and our future there.
Summer started just a few days ago and the tv is filled with ads for the traditional forms of fun in the sun.
The daylight lasts longer; the barbecues are lit, the pools filled, the boats gased up. Well, for some of us. For others not so fortunate, the summer heat sizzles in the cities, old cars boil over.
And for over 160,000 of our women and men summer brings active service in combat areas. For some of them, summer never came.
Let us not forget them.
Our two missing soliders have been found - dead.
The "insurgency" continues.
The questions grow stronger.
My son came across this site and thought some of you might be interested:
Vietnam Database.
There are a few very special names in the world of the theater: Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Kate Hepburn.
She was her own point man.
She blazed her own trail.
Her forthrightness, her honesty, her great talent will be so missed.
The search is still on for the missing WMD's.
Questions are being asked of the administration and of the Intelligence community while our troops are in place facing the insurgence.
It is truly a day to celebrate freedom!
It is a day to offer thanks and prayers for those who have given all to protect it.
It is a day to remember that now those who served, who are serving, deserve not only your thanks, but your active support.
With active commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, intervention of US Troops is being considered in Liberia.
We are 227 years old as a country now.
It was said around the world that it couldn't be done. That representative government of the kind outlined could not work.
It works.
How well it works is up to the people and our involvement in its daily functioning.
What does the word PATRIOT mean to you?
Do you consider yourself a PATRIOT?
Is that a mind-set word or an action word to you?
During WWII, one of the signs of Patriotism was having a Victory Garden. From an old radio AD:
You can have vegetables lots of them on your table next winter.
You can have your own fresh vegetables on your table this summer, if you have
your own Victory Garden.
Yes, there's no restriction on home canning and home processing of vegetables and
garden fruits and berries.
Plan your Victory Garden now.
Get your garden plot lined up.
Get the advice of a garden expert if you need it and be prepared to Grow Your
Own for Victory.
Join a Garden Club or a Community Garden Movement, or share a garden with
your neighbor.
You can help win the battle of food production You can help our fighting men get
the food they need.
You can help save the vital metals used in commercial canning if You Grow Your
Own Your Own Victory Garden in 1943.
For further information write to :
Victory Gardens
Washington, D.C.
Victory Gardens
Washington, D.C.
If Patriotism is an action word, what acts of patriotism were counted as such by non-combatants during the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the current engagements?
What support was/is given to the troops from the homefront?
What exactly does the word mean?
Consider too that those with whom one is engaged have their own definition of the word.
And while we are thinking about that one, can anyone come up with a workable definition of STATESMAN?
If you have some ideas about these words, write to me at FEEDBACK above and share them with us. If you want what you say posted, please so indicate that and how you would like it signed.
Once in awhile we come across a piece of writing that truly speaks to us; that truly 'says it like it is.'
Some of our most dearly treasured freedoms are those of Freedom Of Speech and Freedom of the Press.
Two of those so precious freedoms come together in the words of Al Martinez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times in an article we all would do well to read. Join the LA Times and Al
at Al Martinez:As Americans, we have the inherent right to disagree.
The costs of maintaining an American presence in Iraq continue to grow.
The troops will remain for the "foreseeable future."
Join the New York Times and THOM SHANKER at:Rumsfeld Doubles Estimate for Cost of Troops in Iraq.
The stories are out there about chemical tests on military personnel during the cold war.
For information on investigations concerning them visit the New York Times and Thom Shanker: Investigations of Chemicals Will Continue
By THOM SHANKER.
Despite the recent differences between the Bush Administration and the French, our two countries have a long, shared history. That is particularly evident here in Louisiana.
On July 14 the French celebrate Bastille Day.
Last year the Military Academy at West Point was decorated with the Legion of Honor for its service to France in WWI.
Senator Byrd refers to hearing the word "quagmire" coming up more and more frequently.
He expresses his opinion on the current situation in Iraq. I am wondering what opinions you have.
You may click on "FEEDBACK" and let me know if you wish.
From Alternet and Senator Byrd: We Must Ask the World for Help on Iraq By Sen. Robert Byrd July 11, 2003.
Monday morning I found a distress call from a Vietnam Vet living in a world of pain, alone.
I called the DVA for help. They were gracious, caring, and helpful giving me what I needed for him to get connected with help.
They are there for you.
In August, the 15th through the 19th, they have a convention here in New Orleans.
When I read Thom Shanker's article from the New York Times this morning, I got a definite feeling of dejavu.
Yearlong Tours an Option for 'Guerrilla' War in Iraq.
From the Washington Post and By Kevin Sullivan: 'Weekend Warriors' No More
National Guard's Expanded Role in Iraq Combines Risky Duties, Long Deployment.
As the days pass, as the reconstruction goes on, the numbers of losses of our troops increases.
The most recent from the 101: From the New York Times and KIRK SEMPLE 3 More U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq as Resistance Continue.
When we send people to a war zone individual faces get lost in the photos of collective troops.
The Times Picayune of New Orleans offers a Troop Tribute where you can submit a photo of your loved one on active duty.
For each of these photos there is an individual life,loved ones, hopes, and dreams. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you.
The Faces of our Troops.
The letters KIA indicate loss; a life ended, those close shattered. As the numbers climb, the grief swells and ripples.
The New York Times and Sarah Kershaw report the grief of the family of one Marine from Oregon who is not coming home. We all share their grief.
A Marine Is Killed in Iraq, and Grief Ripples at Home.
Sunday, July 27, 2003 brought us two landmarks.
We mourn the passing of Bob Hope whose USO shows brought hope into hell.
From the New York Times and the late Vincent Canby: Bob Hope, Comedic Master and Entertainer of Troops, Dies at 100.
Bob, thanks for the memories. Go with God.
It also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
Two questions:
Is there a Veterans' Memorial Park in your town?
What kind of condition is it in?
The US did not enter WWI until the spring of 1917. In January of that year, Woodrow Wilson made a proposal about the peace that would come at the end of the war.
The Versailles Treaty was a punitive peace and it can be said that the years between 1919 and 1939 were simply years of armistice. It is also being said, and I concur, that WWI did not have to happen. The First World War.
Can you even begin to imagine the course of the last century if it had not? That could provide you with some interesting What IF scenarios for writing.
We can learn from history if we choose to.
This link for a slide show was sent to me today.
It speaks for itself.
Remember the Blood of Heroes.
Live the questions now.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Each day the headlines rattle with angst, with fear, with anger, threats, counter threats, with negatives. A daily dose can leave you wondering, Has anything good, positive happened anywhere today? But if we stop to ask that question, we already know the answer is an affirmative. Yet how often do we hear of, or acknowledge the positive? the giving, the service rendered unconditionally?
In 2000, according to the USDA, 10.5% of US Households ( 20 million adults, and 13 million children) were "food insecure" because of a lack of resources.
Of these, the food insecurity of 3.3 million was enough to classify them as "hungry." 5.6 million adults and 2.7 million children lived in these hungry households.
Were you aware of that?
Are these "food insecure" people in your neighborhood?
How can you help?
Food Research Action Center.
Marilyn Knapp, webmistress of Tim O'Brien, Novelist
www.AuthorTimOBrien.com. notes that some areas and colleges are making The Things They Carried community reading.
Join Marilyn at Tim O'Brien, Novelist. for discussions of O'Brien's novels, short stories, appearances, etc. Those of you who know his work will enjoy the interviews, short stories, and biography. Those of you who do not yet know O'Brien's work will find some very interesting and important reading.
More and more areas and universities are beginning to take seriously the work of Vietnam writers and to treat their work as an integral part of American Literature. This appreciation of this body of work will help to lead to the long awaited Welcome Home.
Go to Tim O'Brien, Novelist. and learn about The Things They Carried.
Marines Deployed in Liberia. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Glenn McKenzie, Associated Press Writer: Seven-member Marine team deploys in Liberia's capital, marking first U.S. troops on ground
GLENN McKENZIE, Associated Press Writer.
For a history of Liberia: Liberian History.
August 7, 1942. Remy Benoit
A Guadalcanal Chronology 7 August 1942 - 6 March 1943.
Former Vice President Al Gore. Remy Benoit
The fundamentals of democracy include free speech and open debate. From Al Gore at MoveOn.org: Al Gore.
For who is supporting an independent commission on information concerning Iraq's weapons of mass destruction: Who's With Us?.
Intelligence and Iraq. Remy Benoit
The assessments, the commentaries continue on the potentiality of Iraqi weaponry.
From CIA Director Tenet and the Washington Post:Written Statement From CIA Director Tenet.
From Washington Post Writers Barton Gellman and Walter Pincus: Depiction of Threat Outgrew Supporting Evidence.
Thought for the Day. Remy Benoit
From Henry Beston:
One's first appreciation is a sense that the creation is still going on, that the creative forces are as great and as active today as they have ever been, and that tomorrow's morning will be as heroic as any of the world. Creation is here and now.
More Troops to Liberia. Remy Benoit
More US Troops to Liberia.
From the Washington Post and Bradley Graham: U.S. to Send 200 Troops To Liberia.
To learn about the operations of Navy Seals, visit: Naval Special Warfare Command.
Canadian Army Overseas in WWIII. Remy Benoit
Join Stan Scislowski, author of Not All of Us Were Brave, and his comrades at: Stan's Page: Reflections on Service With the Canadian Army Overseas. for an interesting and wonderfully presented account of the service of Canadians in World War II.
Propsed budget cuts for those in active combat and their families???.
Veterans for Common Sense.
From Veterans for Common Sense.
VCS Action Alert: Administration to cut pay for combat troops
Charles Sheehan-Miles.
All is NOT quiet on the Afghanistan Front. Remy Benoit
We have 8,500 US Forces in Afghanistan on active duty.
From the Times Picayune of New Orleans and the AP Press: Afghan insurgents fight police; 22 killed.
Vacation? Maybe, maybe not. Remy Benoit
Join Joe Robinson of Alternet.org for : Vacation Starvation.
How We Cope In Times of Stress. Remy Benoit
I came upon an interesting article in the Washington Post this morning by Jackie Spinner about "Flash Mobs."
I recall "Be-Ins," "Sit-Ins," massive protests and demonstrations.
Flash Mobs seem to be a new twist, a new way of expressing stress, societal fragmentation.
Death and Transition to Peace. Remy Benoit
From the New Orleans Times - Picayune this morning two stories reach out to us.
New Orleans buries Staff Sgt. Taft Virgil Williams its first casualty of the Iraqi war: Farewell Salute
by Tara Young.
And a story about Navy Lt. Cmdr. José Lavastida, a Navy Chaplin trying to help the soldiers make a peaceful transition to peace and home: Spiritual Oasis by James Varney.
Veterans Administration.
From Veterans for Common Sense, a letter from VA Head to employees: VA Secretary Promises to Care for Recently Wounded War Veterans Anthony Principi
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. Remy Benoit
For a history of the Liberation of Paris go to:
Liberation of Paris.
The Last Weekend of Summer: Labor Day Weekend. Remy Benoit
School is already in session here. If it is not where you are, it will be next week.
Businesses are already gearing up for their Labor Day Sales.
But how many of us are aware of what Labor Day means?
The history of labor making gains for workers in this country is full of strife, often overt violence, and much heartache.
So, while you are grilling the burgers and dogs, toasting the marshmallows, give some thought to those who fought so long and hard so you were not working 7 days a week for $3.50.
The Writing Life: A Personal Note. Remy Benoit
Some folks have a romanticized view of "the writing life," perhaps seeing it as inspirational walks through rose gardens (well, yes, sometimes); as visits to old plantation houses ( those too, sometimes); as quiet, solitude, words flowing and heart glowing. Well, that too, sometimes.
There is the old view of the writer, banging away at a manual typewriter in the "wee small hours of the morning," cigarette, booze balanced so the keys can be hit.
Ukrainians and Poles replace the 3d Battalion, 23rd Marines in Iraq.
From James Varney and The Times Picayune of New Orleans: Change of Command.
Tropic Lightning News. Remy Benoit
Join at: Kirk Ramsey. for remembrances of his time in Vietnam, Tales of a War Far Away; for his 2/14 Vet Finder; for the wonderful pencil drawings he shares with us; for issues of Tropic Lightning News; and so much more.
If you have copies of Tropic Lightning News that he has not found yet, do help out and let him know. You too can share and help fill in the missing issues.
How is US Labor doing on Labor Day. Remy Benoit
These are the stats from the US Labor Force on unemployment this summer: United States Labor Force Statistics Seasonally Adjusted (in thousands) 1978 - Present.
Attacks on US Personnel Rising in Iraq . Remy Benoit
Despite the war being declared officially ended in May, attacks on US personnel are on the rise in Iraq.
Join the Washington Post at:
Report: Attacks on U.S. Personnel in Iraq Rising By Vernon LoebWashington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 2, 2003; 10:18 AM.
Number of Wounded in Action on Rise
Iraq Toll Reflects Medical Advances, Resistance Troops Face By Vernon Loeb Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, September 2, 2003; Page A01.
Bush Seeks Larger UN role in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post: U.S. Wants Larger U.N. Role in Iraq
More Peacekeeping Forces to Be Sought By Mike Allen and Vernon Loeb Washington Post Staff Writers Wednesday, September 3, 2003; Page A01.
Registered to Vote?. Remy Benoit
"Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America."
The cornerstone of our system of government is the franchise.
Thousands of years of history went into the idea of voting.
If you need to register: Voter Registration.
You don't even have to leave home to do it!
Expected request for more funding for Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post:
Hill Braces For Iraq Request Lawmakers Want Details From Bush By Mike Allen and Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, September 5, 2003; Page A01.
and from David Ignatius of the Post:
Letting Iraq Save Itself By David Ignatius
Friday, September 5, 2003; Page A21.
Those Who Serve. Remy Benoit
What is wrong with this word picture? This is the reality for our Veterans.
From the New Orleans Times Picayune:
Veterans may lose benefits battle VA funding unlikely to restore cut services Saturday September 06, 2003 By Bruce Alpert Washington bureau.
Down history lane ( and be advised General Patton used strong language):General George S. Patton's Speech to the Third Army - the Unabridged Edition Somewhere in England June 5th, 1944.
A "Marine's Marine" General Ray Davis.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Warriors remember Ray Davis By TY TAGAMI.
Bush Speech, September 7, 2003.
President Bush.
For reactions to speech:
From Nebraska and the Star-Journal:
Nebraska delegation has mixed reaction to Bush address.
From Virginia the AP Press and the Virgina Pilot:
Bush Seeks $87B in Anti-Terror Funds By TERENCE HUNT
AP White House Correspondent.
From The Manchester Guardian:
Fear of $80bn Iraq bill moves Bush to address nation
Rory McCarthy in Baghdad, Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles and Richard Norton-Taylor Monday September 8, 2003.
National PTA. Remy Benoit
With school back in session, here is a link that can prove valuable to parents: National PTA.
International Day of Peace September 21. Remy Benoit
A United Nations resolution in 1981 established the International Day of Peace.
It was first celebrated September 1982.
For information on how you can take part: International Day of Peace.
Voices from Abroad.
From the BBC and Frank Gardner
BBC security correspondent: Is the US winning its war on terror?.
From Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald and Christopher Kremmer and staff reporters try to make sense of the Iraq conflict: The unanswered questions.
My Name is Peace. Remy Benoit
Let us all, all over the world, reflect on this terrible anniversary.
It has been said that we will be judged by the world we leave our children, and grandchildren.
Like all else, we have choice in that too.
Let us learn from our history on the planet so that we may buid a future.
But I am just one person, what can I do?. Remy Benoit
Each journey starts with the first step.
To do this, you don't have to move anything but your finger on your mouse: The Hunger Site.
From there just follow that still small voice within.
Alerts and Vigils.
From CNN online:
U.S. issues terror alert on 9/11.
Vigils mark 9/11 anniversary.
What Has Changed?. John Hathaway
The buildings are still torn asunder, though the rubble’s been cleared away.
The emptiness still echoes with the screams of witnesses, and those that fell on that sad day.
Apprehension is still very much alive, though familiar, it’s like carrying a pocket of sand;
barely noticeable, out of sight, but then some seeps out, and we’re made aware all over again.
Have our hearts changed? Have our souls’ eyes been opened to the suffering everywhere?
Have our habits changed? Have we finally learned to listen with our spirits and care?
Do we still cherish the laughter of our little ones, hold them closer and tight to our chest?
Have we learned to pray peace for everyone, ask for the ending of all unrest?
Are You Aware That..... Remy Benoit
5.9 million US mothers with very young or school age children do not have health insurance?
Millions of mothers lack health insurance coverage in the United States. Most uninsured mothers lack access both to employer-based coverage and to publicly subsidized health insurance.Guyer J, Broaddus M, Dude A.
Medical -- Hepatitis C Information Hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus, is now appearing in an alarming number of Vietnam vets after lying dormant for years. By Allison Wright Reprinted from the VFW Magazine, June 1999.
Kinda hard to swallow: Billing Wounded GI's for meals in hospitals. Remy Benoit
I came across this article in Stars and Stripes.
What are your reactions to this?
If you would like, send them to me and I will post here. Please remember that this site is for all age groups. A lot of school age children visit, so speak your piece with that in mind.
Congressman: Wounded troops shouldn't be billed for hospital meals
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Friday, September 12, 2003.
I am also sending e-mails to the leading potentials for presidential candidacy, asking for their reactions to this to be sent here.
Feedback. Remy Benoit
On the subject of charging soldiers for meals in hospitals.
$87 Billion. Remy Benoit
$87 Billion is a lot of money.
There is already much heated debate over this figure.
But for the average Jane and Joe, it is a number that is hard to comprehend.
If your home cost $100,000 that leaves $869,999,900. To get a handle on the number, put it in your calculator, subtract you annual costs, educating your children, and your pension figures. Round off a possible number for health care as you age and subtract that too.
Is the number still to high to grasp in family terms?
Then visit TomPaine.com for What $87 Billion Can Buy from The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington, D.C.
and WorkingforChange.com for:Russell Mokhiber CommonDreams.org
09.12.03 Other things you might do with $87 billion A dollar doesn't go as far as it used to -- but 87,000,000,000 of them do.
And I ask the question again, Why are our combat soldiers asked to pay for meals in hospitals? Yes, they have a subsistence allowance for meals normally, but isn't a combat injury an abnormal situation?
Let's here from you, and the potential candidates.
Wounded in Iraq, Deserted at Home
By Bill Berkowitz, WorkingForChange.com
September 12, 2003.
Which Way Does the Wind Blow?. Remy Benoit
Hurricane Isabel seemss to be headed for the North Carolina coast. Her winds have diminished to
115 mph but she is not just a lady coming to call.
If you are in the projected path, do take all precautions. Our prayers are with you.
Projected Path of Isabel.
There are also political winds blowing this morning. I got an e-mail asking me to vote yes or no on the possibility of Hilary Clinton for President. Do you have an opinion on that?
Remember That Pay Cut? Combat Pay for Soldiers in Iraq Expires September 30 Liam M. Truchard Springfield News-Leader (Missouri).
Which ever way the "winds" blow, we share the planet.
Visit with our co-habitors at:
World Wildlife Fund. They have some lovely free e-cards for you.
The Rainforest Site. Each click at the site saves
11.4 square feet of endangered rainforest.
Global Wildlife Center.
Another Hat in the Ring and this one with 4 stars. Remy Benoit
It is campaign time again.
With 8 Democrats already seeking the nomination, the retired general from Arkansas is to throw his hat in the ring today.
Clark Will Announce Run for Presidency
Retired General Joins 9 Democrats in Race
By Jim VandeHei Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 17, 2003; Page A01.
For information on the other candidates, check out the side bar on the page.
General to the Rescue? By Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, September 17, 2003; 8:55 AM.
For the Gentlemen. Remy Benoit
I came across this article from the AP Press in the Boston Globe and thought I would pass it along.
Prostate cancer linked to protein By Associated Press, 9/17/2003.
British Viewpoints from the Manchester Guardian. Remy Benoit
The question of the WMD's and of Saddam's connections with terrorists have yet to be resolved. Visit with the Manchester Guardian for some ideas from the United Kingdom on these topics.
Manchester Guardian.
Combat Pay. Remy Benoit
If you are interested in what is being done to secure the raise in combat pay that is being threatened , visit Senator Tom Daschle Introduces Bill to Grant Soldiers Combat Pay
Senator Tom Daschle United States Senate>
You may inform the Senator about your feelings from the link on the page.
They are there for us, let us be there for them.
Support Our Troops.
From TomPaine.com and Steve Robinson, Director of National Gulf War Resource Center: Support Our Troops.
National Gulf War Resource Center.
Southerners and the Military. Remy Benoit
I came across these articles in the Miami Herald and thought you would find them of interest:
Posted on Wed, Sep. 17, 2003 South giving most to war
Death toll from Mississippi twice the U.S. average
By PATRICK PETERSON The Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald.
Posted on Fri, Sep. 19, 2003 FLORIDA SOLDIERS Senator presses for service 'equity'U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson tries to use his power to get National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers brought home sooner from Iraq. BY PHIL LONG.
Voices of Dissent. Remy Benoit
One of the freedoms which we wish to protect here at home, and to put into place in Iraq, is freedom of speech.
Increasingly, voices are being raised in dissent concerning the war with Iraq.
Let this be said, that no matter what position is taken on the war, the soldiers who serve are US. When they come home, as they come home, be sure that you WELCOME them home. We must never go where we went before.
Say HEY to a soldier: Dear Member of the US Military.
Senator Kennedy: Bush's Iraq War Based on 'Fraud' Steve LaBlanc
Reuters http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=2&u=/ap/20030918/ap_on_go_co/kennedy_iraq Posted 9/19/2003 12:30:00 PM.
White House Ambushed by Criticism from America's Military Community
Andrew Gumbel Independent (UK) http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=445128 Posted 9/19/2003 9:49:00 PM.
Bring Them Home Now.
Senator Tom Daschle Introduces Bill to Grant Soldiers Combat Pay
Senator Tom Daschle United States Senate
http://thomas.loc.gov Posted 9/17/2003 9:50:00 PM>
Iraqi Economics.
From the AP Press and Nola.com Iraqi council announced plans to open all sectors of economy except oil to foreign investors
By PAUL GEITNER The Associated Press
9/21/03 8:53 AM.
It is about our children. Remy Benoit
I have long been an advocate of local schools, with parental involvement. They are places where you really get to know the students, and their families.
Way back when, I taught in a small middle school; about 25 on the faculty and 250 students. It was a close knit community for the young people. Each year their mothers would make a big luncheon for the faculty. We knew the parents, and they knew us.
Can that be said for regional schools, where the young people are bused 15-20+ miles? Where there are school populations of above 2000?
Sure, I am a first year Boomer - there were 1100 in my graduating class - Northeast High in Philly - 122! - but there was still a small school atmosphere, despite the rotating schedules, etc.
Young people need community, guidance, and support. It is 7:48 AM Central time...do you know where your children are? Do you know if they had breakfast, or what they are wearing today? Do you know their teachers' names, the subjects they are taking?
Here's a big one - do you know their friends?
Bill Gates is doing something about the small school thing: From the Washington Post and William Raspberry: Environmentally Challenged By William Raspberry
Monday, September 22, 2003; Page A23.
New homework help? Your school should have a Homework Hotline. This one can help too: The BeeHive School.
A Mother's Voice: Nancy Lessin,. Remy Benoit
There are many positions on the war with Iraq.
This is one mother's voice. In it, there are some things that are disturbing, no matter what your position on the current involvement.
Bring Our Children Home Now
By Nancy Lessin, AlterNet September 22, 2003.
Iraqi Reconstruction and HomeFront News.
From Alan Fram and the AP Press at Nola.com:
AP: Bush paper details Iraq spending plan.
From Barry Schweid and the AP Press at Nola.com:
Bush challenges, cajoles U.N. for backing.
On the HomeFront: From Curt Anderson and the AP Press at Nola.com: Ashcroft limits prosecutor discretion.
From H.Josef Hebert and the AP Press at Nola.com;
GOP puts Arctic oil in draft energy bill.
For more on the Arctic Wildlife Preserve: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Vietnamese to Open File on MIA's.
From CNN.com and ReutersVietnam opens files in MIA hunt.
Questions About Testing for Military Health.
From the Hartford Courant;Soldiers' Medical Testing Faulted Future Health Claims At Stake, Critics Say September 22, 2003
By THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, Courant Staff Writer.
Writing it Home. Remy Benoit
Words have power; great power.
In times of stress, in time of decision making, we can find our way to clarity of thought through the use of words.
Watching the news, reading the headline stories can cause much angst and generate feelings of "I am only one person, what can I do?" As Margaret Mead once pointed out, everything of world changing proportions began with the work of a few.
We don't always want to do things of world changing proportions. Sometimes we want to clarify things for ourselves. We can find our way through words. And yet, in changing our personal world, we change the whole world.
Currently we are being besieged with those who would like to run for President, with news from active combat fronts, with climatic problems, with research for "bunker busters," with AIDS, with a whole list of things tough to make decisions about.
When these things start to overwhelm, writing it out, writing out your feelings, your visceral reactions to them, can help you clarify your thinking and center you to make rational rather than emotional, decisions.
A simple question to ask yourself about a candidate for the highest national office is a basic one: would I want this person to babysit my chldren? Now that seems at first thought perhaps absurd, but is that not what we do when we elect someone to the Presidency? He, and one day she, becomes the care giver for the nation. When you listen to a candidate, what kind of care giving are you hearing about?
More questions follow.
Election 2004.
Time Election 2004.
"You're Never Too Old". Remy Benoit
I came upon this woman's voice on line this morning...born in 1910 and still letting her position be known, putting her actions behind her words.
Meet "Granny D" Worthy Dreams Doris 'Granny D' Haddock, GrannyD.com September 23, 2003.
Granny D.
Proposed Expenditures.
From CNN.com Senate GOP readies $87 billion Iraq bill that follows Bush request
Frist seeks approval by week's end>
From the Washington Post.com Congress Likely to Add to War Request
Lawmakers' Priorities Probably Will Push Bush Proposal Beyond $87 Billion By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer.
About Baseline Medical Records.
From Tom Paine.com Deserting Our Troops Steven Rosenfeld.
From Congress' General Accounting Office - please note this is a PDF file.Defense Health Care.
Energy Bill.
From Fox News.com Lawmakers Add Fuel to Energy Bill By Liza Porteus>
From the Alternative Energy Insitute: Alternative Energy.
And if you think you had a rough day, read the Autobiography of Mother Jones.
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. Remy Benoit
When we send people to war some of them come home disabled for life.
We don't like to think about that, but it is the reality.
The reality is there are 2.3 million disabled Veterans in the United States today. From Vietnam alone there are 815,000. We did not do too well at welcoming them home.
If you can help build this Memorial, or just want to learn more and pass it along to someone who can, visit:Disabled Veterans Life Memorial.
The Year Ahead for the Supreme Court .
From the Washington Post:
Pledge of Allegiance Case Tops Docket in New Court Term By Charles Lane.
For a history of the
Pledge of Allegiance.
From a look at Francis Bellamy: The Pledge of Allegiance A Short History by Dr. John W. Baer.
Understanding Each Other. Remy Benoit
Two of the world's religions celebrate their Holy Days this month.
If we are to gain understanding of each other so we may learn cooperation and compassion we must learn of each other and dispel the myths of history.
For the Jewish people, Yom Kippur starts this evening. To understand the Holy Day, please visit: Yom Kippur. The traditional greeting is May you be well recorded in the Book.
To learn about the esoteric teachings of Jewish mysticism that are now being graciously shared with the world, please visit: Kabbalah.
The Moslems will be celebrating at the end of the month the Holy Days of Ramadan. For an understanding of Ramadan, please visit: Ramadan.The traditional greeting is Ramadan Mubarak.
Any dream we can dream, we can realize, if we learn to act rather than to re-act. Understanding each other, cooperation, and compassion are dreams that can be realized.
Confusions, Intentions, Realities.
After a twenty year absence, Yasmine Bahrani, an editor at USA Today, went home to Baghdad. Read her account of her visit at the Washington Post:After Shock Following a 20-year exile, her return to Iraq was a minefield By Yasmine Bahrani.
Lifeline for Young Adults. Remy Benoit
Sometimes life seems heavy. There are problems that seem to have no resolution.
But there are resolutions to all problems.
When we are young the problems seem overwhelming.
When we are young there often seems to be no help available.
Do you have a problem?
Do you think talking about it one on one is more than you can handle at this time?
Do you want help?
Now there is help online. It is a good place to start.
U Life Line.
Please get help if you are in crisis. There is only one you, and we all need you.
Have you looked out the window?. Remy Benoit
Autumn is here.
Have you taken the time to notice?
With urbanization we too often fail to take note of the seasonal changes other than to grab a sweater or a coat on the way out the door.
Give yourself a treat and stop for a moment just to appreciate the spectacular show the trees are putting on for you.
When the kids start asking why the leaves change color, here is an interesting and informative piece from Paul Vang of Butte, Montana, and the Montana Standard. Trees turning terrific.
Why did I pick Butte for this?
That is where my granny was born, way back in 1895.
Butte has an interesting history. Check it out at: Butte Montana - A Mining Camp's History.
Enjoy the harvest season and think about the times when we lived by the seasons. It will add focus to your life.
Civilian Administration and the Military.
From the Thomas E. Ricks and the Washington Post: Defense Official Moves to Ease Strained Relations With Army
By Thomas E. Ricks.
For Those of You Interested in Folklife. Remy Benoit
History is in the recording of the day lives and ways of people; their experiences, individual and collective.
For those of you interested in Folk Ways: American Folklife Center.
Up Close and Personal. Remy Benoit
Do you have friends or family in active service?
Does your local paper have a way for you to communicate with them?
Keep in mind, when you hear numbers of troops serving each number represents a real person, with a real family. Each number is a life with real dreams, goals, and aspirations. Keep each one in your prayers.
If your local paper isn't providing a way for you to communicate, show them this site from the Hammond, Louisiana Daily Star to motivate them.
Military Guestbook.
The Casualties of War. Remy Benoit
Last night the Democratic hopefuls squared off on CNN defending their positions on a variety of topics, including the Iraqi encounter. They were critical of the way things have gone in this pre-emptive war. The Administration holds to its position and defends it while reorganizing the Stabilization of Iraq under the leadership of Ms. Rice.
These are the casualties on the Front Lines. From CNN Special Report: War in Iraq: Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties. We need to look at these soldiers who have given all. If we cannot look at those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, how can we look in the mirror?
We grieve as a nation for them, and with their families.
We can honor their ultimate sacrifice, as well as they sacrifice of those injured and disabled, by being aware of what is transpiring, by asking questions and demanding answers; by caring for the wounded, both physically and psychologically; and by being informed voters; and by going to the polls when the time comes.
For more on last night's debate and related issues:
American Friends Service Committee .
The American Friends Service Committe was formed during World War I for conscientious objectors. It has a long history of alternative service.
Some of its members have been in Iraq for months now. You may see their reports: Iraq Aftermath: the Human Face of War.
Voices.
From the Washington Post and Dana Milbank and Walter Pincus: Cheney Goes on Offensive Over Iraq Unyielding Speech Is Designed to Regain Support>
From Vote No War: I Vote To Bring the Troops Home Now.
From the AP Press, the Times Picayune and By Edith M. Lederer:Annan in discussions on getting revised U.S. resolution on Iraq.
From the AP Press, the Philadelphia Inquirer and
Sonya Ross: Bush says he'll get tougher on Cuba.
From the Philadelphia Inquirer and Stephan Salisbury concerning our Liberty Bell: Bell's move resonates harmony, decorum.
Military Families Speak Out.
The Hijab and School Authorities. Remy Benoit
Nashala "Tallah" Hern is 11 years old and a sixth grader in Oklahoma City.
She has been suspended from school for wearing her hijab, the traditional headress called for by her Muslim faith.
The district has a rule about not wearing head gear, ie. hats, etc., to prevent gang identity problems.
Tallah is not a gang member. She is a little girl practicing her faith. Where is "no child left behind" in this?
As a teacher for many years I have seen so much inflexibility in school authorities. It is incongruous that we fight to bring freedom of choice to a Muslim country while we deny a child the right to wear the hijab here in school.
For the full story visit Muslim girl suspended for head scarf.
If multi-culturalism is the platform in our schools then we must allow for its expression.
Come Sunday. Remy Benoit
Some things to be pondering this Sunday.
From CNN.com Parents: Special ed kids used as janitors.
Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers.
No Child Left Behind Resources.
From Betsy Hart, the Scripps Howard News Service and the Montana Standard: Yes, it's OK to tell the kids ‘no'.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Huge explosion rocks central Baghdad outside hotel occupied by Americans.
Room to Read: Cambodian Literacy Program Needs Help.
From the Bangor Daily News in Maine: Are 'regionalized' schools better? Evidence says no. And hey, having taught in both, smaller schools, WITH parental involvement are better!
United States Navy.
October 13, 1775 marked the birth of the United States Navy.
Visit with our Navy at: United States Navy.
My Daddy was a Navy medic in World War II.
Happy Birthday, United States Navy!
Mercenaries in the "Wild West" .
From Veterans for Common Sense: UK Mercenaries Flood Iraq to "Protect" Foreign Companies Andrew Alderson Telegraph (UK).
Doc, "Friendly Fire" and Injured Soldiers.
“DOC!”
When the mouth of hell opened and the savage teeth of the insatiable gods of war started
tearing apart flesh that once suckled at a mother’s breast, that once rode piggy back on
dad’s shoulders, that once threw a baseball, or knew its first kiss, or never had time to, it
was “DOC” who was screamed for.
And Doc, how many Docs in how many wars, came to do whatever could be done. Some came carrying weapons, others ministered without personal weapons, but they came in the thick of the fog of war and did their utmost to save lives. They did what they could, loaded evac helicopters or trucks or litters or anything else that would move the injured from the field.
They rejoiced when their charges made it through; they live, each and everyday and each
and every night, with those who didn’t, always wondering “...if I coulda...would it have
made a difference?”
I have not talked with one who doesn’t still care, who doesn’t still most nights, wander
those battle fields, always looking to do more, paining that they couldn’t have done more
then.
But they haven’t forgotten those who made it back. They are aware of those who made it
back with physical, with psychological injuries and they are still answering the call...”DOC, we still need you there fighting for us.”
Joe Ohnstad, Career Military - Medic, (67/68as Combat Medi with the 13th Combat Aviation,Can Tho, VN/ 71/72 as Medical Adviser, Military Advisory Team 29, Phn Cat, VN) is a Retired Master Sergeant, still heeding the call and asking for YOUR help. This time it is for care of those who gave so much. This time it is for taking care of them now.
This time it is for fulfilling what I call Our Covenant: Be There for US and WE will be
There for YOU.
In this article, originally published in The High Plains Reader, May 8, 03 Joe asks us for
our support to help those who put it on the line for us, who are TODAY, putting it on the
line for us. They are US whatever your feelings on the current engagement.
This Doc feels strongly about what he feels is right for our soldiers who gave so much.
He has a few words for you on meals for injured soldiers, but I think you should be aware
that this is a man with a history of service that includes Four Bronze Star Medals,
including V Device for Heroism; Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal; Four Army
Commendations Medals; Six Good Conduct Medals; Vietnamese Civic Action Medal;
Vietnamese Technical Medal; Expert Field Medical Badge; Aircraft Crewman Badge. He is a man who did and does care.
From Joe on the subject of Meals for Injured Soldiers:
This Time the Marines NEED YOU. Remy Benoit
The Marines have been answering the call since 1775.
This time they need YOU to answer their call.
They would like to build a National Museum in Quantico, Virginia, and eventually an even larger Heritage Center. This is a combined effort of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the United States Marine Corps.
You know what it takes to build. It takes money, so let's open up those wallets and purses and show them that we stand behind them on this endeavor, just as they have always stood for us.
Join them atMarine Heritage.
Endangered Species and Water.
From Alternet, Michael Winship, and the Messenger Post Newspapers in Upstate New York: Tigers,Bears and Bush.
War/Budget Opposition. Remy Benoit
On October 25, 2003 massive anti-war demonstrations are planned world wide.
One of the groups in opposition to the current engagement is Vote No War.
Freedom of speech is one of the basic tenets of our land. The budget vote is coming this week. What is your position on the disposition of $87 billion dollars?
In the News.
From the Washington Post
and Colum Lynch : U.S. Gets Backing for More U.N. Aid in Iraq By Colum Lynch.
and Bradley Graham and Dana Milbank: Many Troops Dissatisfied, Iraq Poll Finds.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Germany, France, Russia to OK resolution.
From the Guardian and Sophie Arie in Pompeii:Crowds throng Pompeii for a glimpse of Pope.
From CNN.com
China reveals space station plan.
and the AP Press House approves sanctions on Syria.
and Casey Wian Some educators take issue with textbooks.
and Muslim doll offers modest alternative to Barbie.
and from Bill Mears Supreme Court accepts Pledge of Allegiance case.
The Environment, Ecology, and the Election.
For some interesting ideas, polls, voting records, etc. visit with Grist Magazine.
Stars and Stripes and the US.
Stars and Stripes: The American Soldiers'Newspaper of World War I.
Messages of Support.
"Serving Those Who Served".
Our Flag.
School says Muslim girl can return with scarf.
OUR VETERANS NEED YOU. Remy Benoit
Our Veterans need health care.
Health care demands funding.
Please follow this link to Diabled American Veterans. and let your Representative, your Senators, and the President know where you stand on these issues.
BE THERE FOR THEM
Some Interesting Sites to Visit. Remy Benoit
It is a lovely cool morning with the sun shining through the arms of the live oaks scattering rays down to touch the earth. The cats are up doing their thing; the old Lhasa Apso content with his outing and his breakfast.
The family has been englarged the past week. When I went to the market there were two kittens someone had left there by the trash receptacle. They live here now and go by the names of Gracia and Jesse. We have also been joined by a lost hound dog who now answers to the name of Gaby.
Autumn is upon us and next weekend we go back to Standard Time. I shall, as always, miss the light in the evening. Yet each season brings its own joys. There are pears here from the neighbor's tree; there are yams ready for cooking. The neighbor's horse looks at me and sees apples, waits patiently, and then takes it gently from my hand. When I lived up north, this was apple picking time from the local farm. There are no apple trees around here, but there is a Farmers' Fair to go to.
Ah, but I ramble, and I promised some interesting sites.
The long nights leave time for reading. A good place to start is Project Gutenberg. where you will find one of my all time favorites: Christopher Morley's, The Haunted Bookshop.
For autumn color, let's do some travelling:
Autumn Colors of Estonian Peat Bogs.
From an artist who claimed he "saw color in his head" another favorite of mine: Wassily Kandinsky.
Autumn in New England.
Georgian Court College: The Red Maple.
For a buddy of mine up there:North Dakota.
From our Crescent City: French Quarter.
Autumn in Paris.
If you have a favorite site, please share it with us!
Have a lovely day!
Ellsberg Revisited.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune: Ellsberg: Vietnam, Iraq similar conflicts.
Down History Lane:
Pentagon Papers.
From Reuters, Jane Sutton, November 25, 2002 and Common Dreams.org:Pentagon Papers' Ellsberg Sees Deja Vu in Iraq by Jane Sutton.
Voices.
From Public Campaign Action Fund.
From Senator Robert Byrd and Tom Pain.com The Emperor Has No Clothes.
From the AP Press and Fox News Iraqis Wed to GIs Face Uncertain Future.
From the AP Press and Fox News Iran Will Suspend Uranium Enrichment, Allow Nuke Spot Checks.
Hiroshima Mayor Protests Bush's New Nuclear Weapons 5-1-3.
Bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima.
Dalai Lama.
An exile from his native land, the spiritual head of his people, and an example to us all in compassion, the Dalai Lama of Tibet...from the Voice of America Dalai Lama to VOA "I Am Ready" to Meet China's Leaders.
A Prayer Circle. Remy Benoit
Some of us around the country are joining in combined prayer from now through the holidays...everyone I know has problems that need
resolution...
"Please remove all obstacles to peace, health, abundance, and love."
Let go of the outcome, let go of the means; open the doors of the Universe to healing and growth.
You are most welcome to join us and invite others.
Remy
Some Good News - Jim, they're back!. Remy Benoit
As Mr. Spock noted, it would be illogical to hunt whales to extinction.
So, some good news, from Reuters and CNN:
Southern right whales in big comeback.
A Challenge.
For those of you who have been working with writing and the seminar here, well, here's a challenge.
National Novel Writing Month.
They are looking for quantity...50,000 words, 175 pages in 30 days.
Take the challenge, you never know where it might lead!
Fort Stewart and Our Wounded.
It's about our wounded and what seems to NOT be happening:
From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Jingle Davis and Veterans for Common Sense Pentagon and Congress Investigate Fort Stewart Scandal Jingle Davis.
From Steven Rosenfeld, Tom Paine.com and Alternet.org The Pentagon's Achilles Heel.
From the National Gulf War Resource Center
Sick, wounded U.S. troops held in squalor
NGWRC meets with the troops.
Anti-War Protestors Gather in Washington As Three More Die in Iraq and Investigations Continue Concerning Treatment of Wounded.
From the Washington Post and Manny Fernandez: Protesters Try to Revive Antiwar Effort.
From the Washington Post and Rajiv Chandrasekaran Three U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq Two Die in Mortar attack, Third Killed in Mosul Gunbattle.
From the Washington Post: Faces of the Fallen.
From Veterans for Common Sense, UPS International and Mark Benjamin Military Rushes Doctors to Assist Wounded Living in Squalor at Ft. Stewart Mark Benjamin
United Press International.
The Hunger Site.
In less than a minute a day, just a few clicks away, you can help feed the hungry, help a child, provide money for free mamograms, help preserve the rainforests, and help care for our animal friends.
Do visit The Hunger Site. and help to heal the world.
If you have more ideas to help to heal the world, please visit with us at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. and share them.
Assistance at Fort Stewart.
From CNN.com Army secretary vows improvements at Fort Stewart Brownlee says sick, injured soldiers need better treatment.
Former POW's and Battle over Compensation.
From the New Orleans Times PicayuneAmerican ex-POWs fight own government White House blocking payments from Iraq.
In the News.
From CNN.com
Muslim world marks Ramadan.
More than 30 killed in Baghdad blasts
Two U.S. soldiers among the dead in wave of suicide attacks.
From Veterans For Common Sense, Scott Calvert, and the Baltimore Sun:
After Iraq, Guilt of Killing Tears a Soldier's Life Apart
Scott Calvert Baltimore Sun.
PTSD Alliance.
From the Kansas City Star:
Faces of Freedom.
Hooked on Books.
It's About Happiness.
Check this one out: World Database of Happiness.
You will find some surprises.
Love: Unconditional.
The Love Foundation.
Dreams.
Dreams have been recorded, discussed, encouraged, debunked, interpreted, etc. throughout our history.
Here is a place that discusses their role in our lives: Dreams Foundation.
Gearing up for Halloween.
From the Times-Picayune and Constance Snow:
Soldiers need treatment/Commentary/VVAF.
From United Press International and Mark Benjamin
Sick soldiers wait for treatment.
From the Manchester Guardian and George Monbiot
Tony Blair's new friend
Britain and the US claim a moral mandate - and back a dictator who boils victims to death.
From Stewart Nusbaumer and Intervention Magazine Vietnam, Again?.
From Vietnam Veterans of America and Michael Kranish Globe Staff No retreat, no surrender Vietnam hero Bobby Muller, a vet who inspired 'Born in the U.S.A.,' soldiers on for a cause, with help from the Boss.
Lyrics of Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA.
What are your thoughts? You are welcome to share them with us. Just click on Feedback.
Fear and Anxiety/Life and Love.
Emotion ToolKit.
Happy Halloween.
Did you ever wonder where all the Halloween customs came from?
Check out these sites for the answers!
History of Halloween.
History and Customs of Halloween.
Anything Southern: Halloween.
Opposition in Iraq/Democratic Hopefuls.
From CNN.com U.S. warns of 'day of resistance'.
From the Washington Post.com Conversation With the Candidates, Nov.3-7.
And from Alternet.org Bush Ignores Soldiers' Burials
By Christopher Scheer.
Happy November. Remy Benoit
This is the first of November.
With this month comes Veterans Day and Thanksgiving here in the States.
And, tomorrow is my Dad's ( Navy Medic, WWII) 76th Birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Dad!
We have much for which to be thankful. Just waking up each morning is a great gift. How often do you take the time to say Thank You for all the gifts in your life? Perhaps this is a good day to
start :)
Do you know there are Veterans Parks around the country that need cleaning up?
Is there one in your town?
If you were a Veteran and saw a park meant to honor you in a state of despair, how would you feel about that? What would that be saying to you? Is that what you want our Veterans to feel?
Can you organize a cleanup?
Can you also help our Veterans by supporting Veterans' issues; by contacting your Congress members, the President, and letting them know you support decent health care and other issues impacting on them?
Can you say Thank You to them? Try it. Say Thank You to a Vet and watch his/her face take on a glow. Just a simple, Thank you for your service will work wonders.
Veterans Day is on the 11th of this month.
What does Veterans Day mean to you? Write and tell me and I will post it for you. Do keep in mind, as always, we have visitors of all ages, and from around the world here. Express yourself with dignity, but do express your feelings about this remembrance day.
To learn the history of Veterans Day VFW Origins of Veterans Day.
In Canada, this day is known as Remembrance Day.
Anti-US Resistance.
Pamphlets dropped encouraged Anti-US Resistance in Iraq.
From Fox News.com
Thirteen Killed After Helicopter Attacked in Iraq.
From the Washington Post and Anthony Shahid Baghdad Jolted by Threat of New Attacks By Anthony Shadid.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the New York Times and Jeffrey Gettleman Deaths in Iraq Take a Steady Toll at Home.
From the Washington Post Faces of the Fallen.
Let us remember, BRING THIS HOME TO OURSELVES, that war is real, its savage jaws devour. We do not see today what we saw during the Vietnam engagement but the body bags are coming home; lives are being lost or shattered; families here and in Iraq are feeling real pain. While we are busy watching reality TV, our soldiers are facing the reality we sent them to.
We cannot sit on the sidelines.
Helping Military Families.
We Mourn.
From the AP Press and the Washington Post Rumsfeld Calls Day Tragic, But 'Necessary'.
From CommonDreams.org and the Vietnam Veterans of America At the Chinook site: the face of war.
From UPI International, Mitchell Prothero and Veterans for Common Sense First Response: View From the Medivac Team [at Chinook Crash Site]
P. Mitchell Prothero.
Also, from Ray McGovern and TomPaine.com Helicopter Down.
Sometimes We Need to Put Ourselves into the Overall Perspective.
We are not alone on this planet.
There is the planet itself.
There are a multitude of living forms. Once there were even more, but we rendered them extinct.
There are many other forms, and more and more it seems that they are not so unintelligent or without life as we once thought.
Sometimes we need to sit back, quiet ourselves, and think about the overall, and very long, history of this planet, as well as its future.
From Reuters, CNN.com and the perspective of the dinosaurs Volcanoes may have choked Earth, helped dinosaurs.
Perhaps we should ask ourselves what future generations will feel about the "boiling lava" that we continually spew onto the planet in oh so many forms.
Armistice Day.
After the "war to end all wars" came Armistice Day.
Armistice Day.
Survey of Armistice Day Newspaper Coverage.
"Transfer Tubes".
From the Toronto Star, Tim Harper and Veterans for Common Sense.org Bush Hides War Dead; Body Bags now Called 'Transfer Tubes'
All the news - sometimes.
From CNN.com Wolf Blitzer and Bernard Goldberg Media critic: Tell the whole story on Iraq.
The Faces of War.
From CNN.com Chinook survivors recall crash ordeal.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Veterans for Common Sense.org
Death Be Not Loud
Maureen Dowd.
Black Hawk Down.
From the Washington Post 6 Dead as Army Helicopter Crashes in Iraq.
Ancient Incan City Found.
From CNN.com Lost city near Machu Picchu found.
Heavy Casualty Week for US Soldiers.
From CNN.com Deaths mount in bloody week for troops in Iraq.
From Veterans for Common Sense, The St. Petersburg Times and Wes Allison Worry and Frustration Take Toll at Fort Campbell.
From Veterans for Common Sense, The Hill and Klaus Marre Republicans Strip 'No War Profiteering' Section from $87 Billion Iraq Bill.
Veterans Day.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day.
Buy a poppy.
Thank a Veteran for his or her service.
Pray for those in service now.
Support legislation for Veterans.
Be there for them.
A Fighting Perth Remembers. Stan Scislowski
A Remembrance Day Speech at Veterans Appreciation Day being held at the International Press Club in Windsor.
The night was black as pitch, no moon, no stars, no flash of artillery fire to light the way for the Canadian infantry moving forward to the start-line of their next attack. The night was unusually quiet, as though both armies
facing each other in the flatlands of the North Italian plains had gone to bed early. The only sound came from the scuffle of the infantrymen's boots on gravel as they worked their way forward. To a man, as always, they fervently hoped that the advance would be a 'walkover', but it was not to be. The enemy had not gone away, and they had not gone to bed early. Except for those momentarily relieved of weapons post duty, the enemy was very much awake and alert. They
were in positions all through the area with their weapons trained at the single point where they were sure the Canadian attack would come in on them, and that was the roadway crossing the Fosso Munio stream.
In the lead section of the lead platoon of the Perth Regiment from Stratford, Ontario spearheading the attack was a 17 year old Windsor lad. Actually, too young to have been inducted into the army, Lance Corporal Freddie Lytwyn
had to have lied about his age to get in the army. But he was a veteran now, a veteran of several hard-fought battles as he marched on towards yet another battle, this one only five days before Christmas, hoping, as all
men do when going into battle that it would be an easy affair and that he would come out
of it okay.
Undetected thus far as they approached the start-line at the roadway crossing of the insignificant narrow watercourse, they entered a roadside drainage ditch, and with stealth. made good time on the way to their first objective.
They strained their eyes peering into the black fields around them to catch signs of enemy presence—to evade them if they could, or to throw fire at them if that had to be. The immediate danger, however, was not in the open fields
to their left, nor was it in the impenetrable darkness on their right. It was straight ahead along the line of the ditch. An enemy machine-gun crew hidden behind a stone culvert waited for them, their weapon pointing down the line of
that ditch. Their weapon, an MG 42 rated at 1200 rounds per minute, almost twice as fast as the Bren, could, in the narrow confine of the ditch do considerable slaughter. There was no way the man behind the gun could miss the unsuspecting approaching platoon.
At 25 yards range the enemy Fusilier squeezed the trigger— the gun ripping off a long burst. 400 steel jacketed slugs slammed into the bodies of the lead two sections. Twelve men died instantly, their bodies literally torn apart in the slash of bullets. Back along the column, others a little slower to react to the 'ripping canvas' sound of the gun, threw themselves onto the slick sides of the ditch, but they delayed only by seconds their own deaths. Somewhere in that pile of torn bodies was that of the 17 year old Windsor lad. He was too young to have to die in battle. . .He was too young to die at any time. He, like so many countless others of our generation had been denied by the cruel fates of war to reach manhood, to love, to marry, to raise a family, to enjoy all those things that we as survivors have taken for granted. And so, in eternal thankfulness to God that somehow we were spared a similar fate and allowed to live out our lives as He had intended, it is only fit and
proper that on Remembrance Day we should pause and pay tribute to their supreme sacrifice.
I’ve taken the liberty of describing the last moments in the life of one inordinately young Canadian who represents the hundred thousand and more other Canadians who laid down their lives in War. I have done this for a
reason, that reason being that it is much easier to focus one thoughts onto one individual than onto a faceless multitude. In remembering one. . . you remember all.
Veterans Day.
From CNN.com
WWI veterans remember their service.
From the Washington Post.com and Steve VogelIncoming Troops, Outgoing Vets Soldiers From Other Wars Help Those From Iraq at BWI.
Perhaps some of you who were not Welcomed Home might find forgiveness and healing in Welcoming the new generation home. Just a thought. You are all brothers and sisters. Can you return love for what you were denied? I know you are strong enough to do that. Again, just a thought.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org 750 War Veterans Urge Bush to Support Troops.
To all of you who have been there, Thank you for your service and Welcome Home.
A Home Lost to War.
From the Washington Post and Anthony Shadid 'I'm Waiting for My Destiny'Baghdad Family Made Homeless by U.S. Missile Still Can't Rebuild.
9/11 Intelligence .
From CNN.com
W.H. to let 9/11 panel review briefings.
Gore accuses Bush of undermining freedoms.
Pay Problems for Combatants.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, Lisa Myers and MSNBC GAO report: 94 percent of reservists have pay complications.
An American Dream. Greg Aurand
To Whom It May Concern:
I owe the IRS and the State of Idaho nearly $34,000 in income taxes.
They are in the process (or have already done so) of filing lien and levy against my property (what little I have). They may then seize my wages, bank accounts, assets, and property to pay the debt I owe. I also owe the local hospital, clinic and regional heart center for emergency treatment I received for tachyarrhythmia and hypertension. I have been unemployed since August of 2001. I have been unable to secure any meaningful employment. I received money from an inheritance in 2001 and 2002. I have used this money to live on. I overestimated the amount of money I would receive and my ability to put it to good use. I received less than anticipated and, being unable to secure employment, essentially ran out of money. Now I am in debt, and in jeopardy of losing everything I have. I just cannot seem to get over the hump and free myself of poverty, debt and unemployment.
How I ended up in this situation has been a long and difficult struggle for me personally. I'm not sure where to begin, but some background
information about myself may help you understand.
I grew up in Iowa, graduated high school in 1979, and worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Rail Road. I was laid off in 1980.After becoming unemployed, I decided to enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March of 1981. During the five years I served I was promoted meritoriously to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for Meritorious Achievement. I was a career
Marine, and had a promising future ahead of me. However, I decided to end my enlistment to obtain a college education and some pride for my father.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I selected Idaho as the best place to receive a college education. I put myself through school with the Veterans Education Assistance Program (a small monthly
allotment of $227), money I had saved and earned working, grants and student loans. I graduated from the University of Idaho in 1993 with a
B.S. in Wildland Recreation Management, a minor in Natural Resource Communication, 168 semester credits, a grade point average of 3.12, credit
card dept, a bad credit rating, and over eighteen thousand dollars in student loan principle now due.
Since graduation, I have not been able to obtain permanent full time employment. I have essentially worked Seasonal Jobs. I have been an
environmental education intern, a seasonal street maintenance worker, a seasonal field forester, a seasonal wildland fire fighter, a seasonal
building maintenance worker, and a seasonal park ranger. I have been more than successful at all these occupations, but unable to secure full time
permanent employment with any of these or other employers. During my lay-off periods I collected Unemployment Insurance and completed the required job searches.
I was last employed in Lewiston with a company they recruited. A telemarketing company. I worked on the phones for nine months, and then
took a position in quality control for nine more months. Needless to say, working in this field disgusted me. I quit when my position was
eliminated and I was required to go back and work on the phones. The company moved out of town this past summer and relocated to India, of all places.
During the summers I was in school I worked seasonally for the Forest Service as a Forest Technician and a Naturalist and lived in their bunkhouses. While in school, I rented a small apartment. However, when I worked as a park ranger I lived in a tent for three months during the summer of 1996. That fall I purchased a 12-foot camper and lived throughout the winter and through the summer of 1997. I took a winter job
at another park and was given government housing until I was laid off in the fall of 1998. I moved to Lewiston and purchased a 19-foot camper and
lived in that for three years and three months.
I remained unemployed the entire year of 1999 in Lewiston, collected unemployment for most of the year and completed the required job searches; I went on food stamps, community assistance, and energy assistance and completed the required job searches for the food stamp program. The telemarketing company hired me the last week of December 1999.
Needless to say, I was depressed about my failure to obtain a permanent job with any of my former employers. I had lost all confidence in my
ability to secure a full time job. For over a year I was unable to land even a part time job in Lewiston. I had low self-esteem until the
telemarketing company hired me. At first this was an exciting job; however, this soon changed after working on the phones, when I realized I
was the telemarketer that everyone loves to hate. I didn't trust the products the company sold and disliked calling people who were hostile
towards telemarketers. Unfortunately it is sometimes the only employment in town.
In April of 2000 my father died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Suicide. This devastated me. I am still not sure I'm over it yet. I have fits of sorrow and grief, anger and rage. It's frustrating and confusing and there just aren't any answers. Unfortunately I was unable to attend his funeral in Iowa, which angered me further. I loved and respected him very much, and it hurts to know I'm missing out on all the things we would have done together.
In May of 2000 my mother was evacuated from Los Alamos, NM and her house burned down in a wild fire started accidentally by the Park Service. This was traumatic and very sad. It was scary and I was very worried about the safety of my mother. She had lost her home and she is not well. My mother is in her second cancer remission and has suffered two heart attacks.
I took a leave of absence from work for a month to travel to New Mexico to help my mother and make sure she was safe and taken care of. And then I went to Iowa to say goodbye and pay my respects to my father and meet with the executors.
In March of 2002, I had a reunion with my best friend after losing contact for nine years. We served together during our first enlistment in the Marine Corps and remained in close contact until 1995. He remained in the Corps for 15 years, and was then medically discharged. My friend was like a brother to me and I loved him very much. In September 2002 my friend died of a self-inflected gunshot wound. Suicide. This crushed me beyond limits I thought possible. I am having difficulty writing about it right now. This Marine was a highly decorated combat veteran. He was a hero to me and to many, many other people who loved him as well. I was able to attend his funeral. I was a pallbearer at his military honors burial at a National Veterans Cemetery.
Once again I suffered and continue to suffer the loss, confusion, and frustration at a needless death.
I have spent the past year volunteering my time to help his mother understand the Marine behind the man. I have unselfishly dedicated myself to setting the record straight for my Brother Marine. I have logged hundreds and hundreds of hours working on three main projects for him and his Mother.
My friend was a 100% disabled veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He had also broken his neck while being shot at in
Somalia. This, he thought entitled him to a Purple Heart Medal. That March, during our reunion, I promised him I would look into it.
Unfortunately he died before I could finish my work.
His mother has given me access to his military records for my research. During my initial review I discovered he had been overlooked for a Medal he should have been awarded during the first Gulf War in 1990. I created a recommendation package and submitted it in December of 2002. The Commandant of the Marine Corps approved my recommendation and my friend
was awarded the Armed Forced Reserve Medal with Bronze Letter "M" (Posthumously) in February of 2003. I only wish he were here so I could
pin it on him.
It took me a year to document and verify all his medals, ribbons, and awards for his family. I created a small booklet with color graphics describing each medal, ribbon and award, what the award is, why it was awarded, and every time he received an award. Myself and the other
pallbearers presented his mother with a custom made walnut box to store all his awards and medals. I personally hand finished the box with hand rubbed oil and wax and had it engraved with the Marine Corps emblem and his name, rank and serial number.
This past August I completed my research for the Purple Heart Medal and submitted an award recommendation package to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. To date I have not heard back from them.
During the summer of 2003, I also completed research on my father's military service. I was able to obtain his military service records and DD214 and submitted requests for his veteran's burial benefits. This was not done during his funeral. I received his burial flag, submitted a request for the Presidential Memorial Certificate, and ordered his gravesite marker. Unfortunately, too much time had expired to receive the funeral allotment.
I took two buddies bow hunting on September 29th. While they hunted, I had two sudden attacks of Ventricular Tachycardia or Tachyarrhythmia
lasting nearly an hour each. What happens is my heart suddenly starts beating at nearly 180 beats per minute, sometimes even faster. At this
rate it can't pump blood efficiently. I lose circulation, my hands and arms turn blue, I can't catch my breath, and I'm on the verge of passing
out. At just past 5:00pm that evening, while sitting on the couch, I had another sudden attack, but this one felt different -- worse! I called my
neighbors and they took me to the local hospital emergency room. It took the doctors over 2 hours to slow my heart rate down. My blood pressure
was 245/163 and my heart rate was 183 beats per minute. Needless to say this was very scary! I've been diagnosed with Hypertension, a thickened heart, and an arrhythmia, either Ventricular Tachycardia or Tachyarrhythmia. The doctors aren't sure yet. My illnesses may cause
stroke, or sudden cardiac death. They have not been able to diagnose the cause of the arrhythmia, but are treating me for the hypertension. I have had to cancel my follow-up appointments with the cardiologist and further testing. I cannot afford to continue with treatment and testing, since this incident has put me further in debt.
I inherited 20% of my father's estate. A large part of his estate was an IRA. The IRS and the State of Iowa assessed the value of the IRA along with the rest of his property and business and collected estate taxes -- death taxes in excess of $140,000 to the IRS and $80,000 to the state of Iowa.
To pay the estate taxes, my family was required to sell our half interest in the family farm. Since 1962, it was the place I grew up, hunted and fished, and learned the value of hard work and the ethics of conservation. My father's ashes are now scattered on the hill of that wonderful place. And it is no longer in the family. We now need permission to visit. The
gravesite marker I have requested cannot be place there according to the VA, it must be placed in a distant cemetery somewhere else.
When the moneys from the estate were disbursed, I was required to pay income taxes on that portion which came from the IRA. The law does not allow me to roll it over into an IRA in my name. This money was taxed twice. I just don't understand how they can justify that.
I used the money to better my life - or so I thought that's what I was doing. My student loans were delinquent, and I used the money to rehabilitate them over a year and then I paid them off in 2002. For my education, I paid over $32,000 in principle and interest from student
loans alone. And this past tax year, I was not allowed to deduct the interest paid on those loans because "I earned too much."
I moved out of my camper in March of 2002 and purchased a small doublewide trailer. I relocated from Lewiston up the valley seven miles
from Orofino. Because I lived on the money I received, instead of paying the estimated income tax (which I didn't know I could do), I am now in
jeopardy of losing everything I have, even property I owned before my father died.
Yes, I made some mistakes. Circumstances have worked against me as well. I did not foresee being unemployed for so long. My debt to the government is very large in my mind. So large, that I cannot imagine ever getting out from under it. Yet, President Bush just gave away 82 BILLION dollars of our money to the Iraqis. What is my dept compared to just this one instance of aid given to a foreign country. It just doesn't make sense to me that they can receive so much of our help in an unimaginably large amount of money, and I cannot find or receive any aid or relief from my
debt. I'm not against paying my fair share of taxes to support our troops, but in my mind the government taxed my inheritance twice. What is
my debt compared to the billions and billions Congress and the President spend every year? I will be stripped of my home, and my property and left to the streets like a common criminal.
Semper Fi,
Gregory D. Aurand.
4441 Cavendish Road #5
Lenore, Idaho 83541
(208) 476-0757
kingfisher@orofino-id.com
10 November 2003
In the News.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and Charles Pope: Men Between 18 and 22 Beware: Bush May Resume Forced Military Draft for Iraq War.
From CNN.com
Bush unfazed by UK protests.
From the Times Picayune of New Orleans and Slobodan Lekic of the AP Press:400th US soldier dies; Bremer meets governing Council on self-government plan.
When the Center Does Not Hold and Directives are Ambiguous/Free Fire.
War is a terrible thing, in the truest sense of the word. Things fall apart. Sometimes bad things happen. We need to learn from them. We raise our children with certain values, and then we put them in positions where things fall apart. Sometimes they fall apart very badly. We need to look at this and ask why, how, and what can we do to never see this again. Yes, we need to know this, moms, dads, siblings, new generations so we don't need to know this kind of thing happened again.
What does a free fire zone mean? really mean.
Face the truth and lose the euphemisms.
From the Toledo Blade, Alter Net.org
The Scalping Party
By Mike Davis, tomdispatch.com
November 14, 2003.
A Balde Investigation: Buried Secrets, Brutal Truths by MICHAEL D. SALLAH and MITCH WEISS.
2 Black Hawks Crash.
From Cnn.com Two Black Hawks crash in Mosul.
Today Making History.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org
and the International Herald Tribune with Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter To lead, U.S. must give up paranoid policies.
and Cable Network News, John Raedler Black Hawks crash death toll rises to 17.
and the New York Times, Neela Banerjee Rebuilding Bodies, and Lives, Maimed by War.
For links to Military Newspapers Online.
Mourning at Fort Campbell.
From the Washington Post and Manuel Roig-Franzia Mourning Fallen Eagles At Fort Campbell, Death Yet Again Hits Home.
US Launches New Offensive in Iraq.
From CNN.com U.S. launches new offensive in Iraq Russia casts doubts on U.S. transition-of-power plan.
From Air Force Times Helicopters in Iraq now flying lower, faster.
From Marine Corps Times I MEF earns Presidential Unit Citation.
From Navy Times New reserve unit formed in Mississippi.
48 Hours to Review 1000 pages.
Re: New Energy Bill
From MoveOn.org 2003 Energy Bill. PDF
Italy Mourns Dead.
From CNN.com Italy says farewell to Iraq dead.
US and Vietnam Today.
From CNN.com Vietnam visit signals new ties.
And from Easter Island and CNN.com Easter Island's statues await facelift.
Keep Your Humanity.
I read this Open Letter awhile ago and have been walking about my backyard deciding if I should link to it for you.
As you know, I ask that things you send me are careful with their use of language. This letter is not. It uses the language, shall we say, of the field.
This letter is the position of one man who has been there, who has known the elephant.
This letter takes a very pointed position on Vietnam and Iraq, and that position is not flattering to these encounters nor to encumbent administrations.
We all know, even if we do not want to acknowledge that, we all know that war changes people, that on both sides bad things happen.
For those who were there for the bad things, those bad things stay with them, forever. In war all that we know is turned upside down and combatants are challenged with the dilemma of fighting a war and maintaining their humanity.
As I was walking about the yard it occured to me that if combatants, as Goff suggests, do not have to come to "hate the enemy," how do they fight them? Are we capable of active combat with humanity? Many have shown that we are; others have known the blood lust and its concomitants.
Mr. Goff's Open Letter neglects the atrocities of the people of the country, Vietnam and Iraq, in this case, against their own. Our press tends to talk about the mistakes of our own, not theirs and theirs as you have told us, were many, and terrible.
His position is that of opposition to the current engagement, is critical of the previous engagement. There is no mistaking that. That position may not please many of you.
And yet, after walking about the yard, I found that I felt he had something to say that needs to be said. "I changed over there in Vietnam and they were not nice changes either."
So, with these comments, with a warning that the language is strong, political, there is something in this letter than needs to be recognized, by all sides: that war challenges humanity of each individual. How that challenge is met determines the rest of that individual's life. Note the anger in his message; note the attempt to warn a current generation of combatants of the challenge to their humanity.
Published on Saturday, November 15, 2003 by Counterpunch Hold On to Your Humanity: An Open Letter to GIs in Iraq by Stan Goff (US Army Retired).
Bush and Blair.
From Fox News.com
Bush, Blair Remain Defiant on Terrorism.
President Bush's Speech at Whitehall.
From Veterans for Common Sense and Working for Change.com Petition to ask President Bush to attend the funeral of a fallen soldier.
US and Vietnam.
From CNN.com U.S. warship docks in Vietnam.
For a history of US and Vietnam at war American Experience: Vietnam Online.
For a History of Vietnam.
New York, Pasta, and Memories.
This is a beautiful piece of writing; one that touches the heart, the mind, and the soul.
From The New York Times, David C. Botti, and Veterans for Common Sense.org The War Within.
40 Years Ago Today.
I was on a bus, going to my Aunt's to have my hair done for a Senior Prom that night. It wasn't mine. My Senior Prom came the following June. The people who told me were classmates of mine from sixth grade who I hadn't seen since then.
The prom was not held that night.
Two days later I was talking with a close friend on the phone, sitting in front of the tv set. He said, "Did you see that?"
A lot of us saw that.
We were in shock.
We had Advisors in Vietnam.
There were more shocks to come: Dr. King; Bobby Kennedy.
Cities burning.
Body Bags.
Conversations with Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones. Al Beck
Reviewed by Remy Benoit
I have never met Al Beck, and yet I know him.
I was never in his classroom and yet, he has taught me.
Here in Conversations with Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones, his ninth book of poems, prose and drawings, he once again reaches out, touches, inspires, and asks much of us.
He is an artist.
He is a poet.
He is a writer.
He is a teacher in the truest sense of the word because he transmits ideas that insist that we each find our creative expression..
He insists that the educational system assist us in finding our creative expression.
He entertains, he makes us sometimes uncomfortable with truths to be faced.
He challenges the entire educational process that is in place, that has been in place for decade upon decade.
He asks that we consider that education is meant to enlighten, encourage, and bring out the best of our own personal creativity instead of just “just giving back the facts” without ever really learning what they mean.
He could have slipped into the pedantic mode in his crusade against educational pedantics. He did not do that. He speaks to us, with us, in drawings, in insightful lyrics. This Veteran of the Korean Conflict; Professor Emeritus from Culver –Stockton College; folk singer; creator of the Pyrapod; this champion trying to overcome “the traditional autocratic attiude which continues to be prevalent in many classrooms today,” challenges our creativity with his insights, with his creative ways of sharing them.
The subservient
mind’s a sponge absorbing
someone else’s chaos.
Al’s poems, verse, drawings leave us with the question, what do we really want for the education of our children? Do we want to hear the answer I heard when I asked a young friend just graduated from high school, What did you learn in the last twelve years of school? I learned to regurgitate information.
Or do we want to hear I began to learn who I am, I began to see my vast potential.
As Al puts it:
My handle on life
is broken. Now I grab it
by the cutting edge.
Grab the cutting edge of this special gift Al Beck is offering and delight in, be challenged by Conversations With Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stones.
You may reach Al Beck at:
5987 County Road 231
Monroe City, MO 63456
Or e-mail him at Al Beck.
abeck@marktwain.net
The cost of this treasure is $11. Contact Al for an autographed copy.
Conversations With Lizard’s Bones and Wizard’s Stories by Al Beck has just been released by the publisher Lorien House Press.
Beck comments that this book reflects the confrontation with both ferociuosly reptilian minds as well as magical creative spirits.
Many of his fresh ideas often have their origin in ancient traditions.
Beck’s ninth book blends poetry, drawings, stories and songs in an entertaining manner.
Al, Beck, Professor Emeritus of Art from Culver-Stockton College is included in the the international reference book 2000 Outstanding Writers of the 20th Century by the International Biographickal Center in England. In addition to his recognition as a creative writer and educator, he has won numberous art awards and prizes through his career in clay, glass, papercasting, painting and design. Beck has also been a professional folksinger for the past half century, singing in Chicago night clubs as well as giving concerts throughout France for the United States Information Agency.
In addition to life’s insights on time, nature and the human spirit through his poetry, CONVERSATIONS incorporates both stories Beck refers to as “autobiographitti” as well as articles on his methods for developing changes in our present educational process.
Marjan Glavac, Editor of The Busy Educator’s National Newletter says,
“After one of THOSE weeks teaching school, I read Al Beck’s book in the park on a sunny and warm day amid the laughter of children, romantic couples and other quiet readers at picnic tables. Beck gives a great overview of the highs and lows of teaching and the institution of education with all its flaws and how to overcome them. There are profound thoughts simply told for those new and old to education. The poems, stories, stongs and illustrations leap out at you and hold you, making you reflect on your own life.”
Others have found a “playful irreverence” for conventional expectations in his work.
Beck comments, “I enjoy piercing minds with a verbalor visual knife. My focusis to wed personal expression to the universal cry for a connection of our human spirit to our intellect.”
His new book, Conversations With Lizard Bones and Wizard’s Stones, can be obtained from the author for eleven dollars which includes mailing expenses.
To contact the author for an autographed copy of his book, write him at
5987 County Road 231, Monroe City, MO. 63456
or e-mail him at Al Beck.
abeck@marktwain.net
Casuality Rates Continue to Rise.
From the AP Press and Fox News.com
Afghanistan Chopper Crash Kills Five U.S. Soldiers.
Two American Soldiers Killed in Mosul.
From UPI and Mark Benjamin, November 14, 2003
U.S. casualties from Iraq war top 9,000.
Thanksgiving Week. Remy Benoit
Our lives seem progressively more hurried.
We have less vacation time than most other countries.
We are at war on more than one front and the casuality rates keep rising.
Our paychecks aren't keeping up with costs.
Thousands of jobs have disappeared.
TV, magazines, Internet news sources give us tips for "Turkey Day" diminishing its meaning.
So, what do we have for which to be thankful?
Perhaps we should just stop and look around.
President Bush at Fort Carson, Colorado.
From the Washington Post and Mike Allen Bush Visits Army Post With Heavy Casualties in Iraq
Meeting With Families Of Dead Is His Third Since War Began.
From the Virginian-Pilot and Matthew Dolan The final transfer, to Dover, for war's dead.
In the news.
From Free Republic.com and Fred Zimmerman
At end of training, Marines say Mongols ready for duty in Iraq.
From Islamic History to 1600 Islamic History.
About Our Pets.
One of the things we are thankful for is our pets.
From The Green Guide. some tips on safe care of them.
Gulf Soldiers/Gulf War Syndrome and the UK.
From the Guardian Soldiers to sue over new Gulf War syndrome Mark Townsend.
Something Awesome.
The holidays are sometimes difficult to deal with. There are such great expectations, and sometimes, such great disappointments that in many ways we set ourselves up for.
A high school classmate sent me this site this morning. It is amazing. And, it will help to put things into perspective. So, from Barry to me, from me to you. Hubble.
Happy Thanksgiving.
So You Thought Your Family Was the Only One.
From Alternet.org and Bethany Allen, Africana.com
Holidays Are From Hell--and Heaven.
Happy Thanksgiving.
For a history of
Thanksgiving Celebrations Throughout History.
For celebrations of Thanksgiving in Other Countries.
Enjoy your celebration.
Blessings,
Remy
Early and Severe Flu Season.
From CNN.com Thousands sickened in early, severe flu season Especially virulent strain of virus is cropping up.
The Terrible Face of War.
From the Washington Post and Theola Labbé Facing the Horrific Every Day Army Hospital in Baghdad Is First Refuge for U.S. Casualties.
Spanish Intelligence People Killed in Iraq.
From CNN.com Spain: Intelligence agents 'assassinated' in Iraq Seven killed, one wounded in ambush south of Baghdad.
Attacks Continue in Iraq.
From the AP Press and Fox News.com Americans, Allies Targeted in Iraq.
From the Washington Post, an Editorial A New Approach.
From the AP Press, Mar Roman, and the New Orleans Times Picayune Government resists, but opposition demands Iraq pullout after latest deaths.
Stepping back into history, but still dealing with its problems - from the Philadelphia Inquirer and Jeff Shields A push to rectify Nazi-era looting of a 'Gold Train'.
A Change in Tactics.
From CNN anchor Martin Savidge Grange: Ambush shows change in guerrilla tactics.
'Tis the Beginning of the Season.
Happy December!
This is a special time of year. It is a time that can be glorious; it is also often a time of great stress.
For a look at how Christmas is celebrated around the world, visit with Christmas Traditions. Do take note of their section on holiday stress.
For a look at celebrations of Kwanza, visit with Kwanza.
Hanukkah is celebrated this month. For the celebrations of the Festival of Light, visit with Hanukkah.
Whatever you are celebrating this month, keep in mind the true meaning of your holiday. Try to not build up unrealistic expectations but to enjoy the warmth and sharing of the celebration.
I would love to hear from you on the topic of the perfect holiday celebration. What would you be doing if all the decisions about its celebration would be left to you?
Is there such a thing as the "perfect Christmas?" Jean Luc found one in the Nexus and walked away from it. There is both sadness and courage in that decision. Think about it - would you have stayed for the perfect Christmas, or moved back into your real world? Just a question for thought.
Whatever your holiday, whatever your celebration, I wish you peace.
Remy
Women for Women International.
What you can do to help Women for Women International.
President Carter Writes a Novel.
From CNN.com and Time in an interview with Jimmy Carter and Massimo Calabresi 10 Questions for Jimmy Carter.
For Reviews of Mr. Carter's book Hornet's Nest.
Is This Happening in Your Neighborhood?.
From the Washington Post and Mary Otto In Search of a Place to Park Himself Pr. George's Man Has Scores of Model Cars but Nowhere to Call Home.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Military Misdiagnosis.
From the Dallas Morning News, Nancy Barr Canson and Veterans for Common Sense A soldier's tale: Military misdiagnosis.
Omnibus Appropriations Bill and More.
For a look at this pending bill from the perspective of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
From AlterNet and Robert Kennedy Jr. Crimes Against Nature.
From Tom Paine.com, Steven Rosenfeld, and Howard Zinn Another McCarthy Era.
From Tom Paine.com Why Target Greenpeace.
Senator Byrd to Block Omnibus Bill.
From the Washington Post.com and Helen Dewar Byrd to Block Omnibus Funding Bill Senator Says He'll Oppose GOP Bid for Passage With No Roll Call.
Christmas Cookies.
This is the time for the luscious smell of cookies baking.
From the Philadelphia ( my home town ) Inquirer and Marilynn Marter A world of Christmas cookies.
Traveling Again to the Moon May be on the Agenda.
From the Washington Post and Mike Allen and Kathy Sawyer Return to Moon May Be on Agenda.
NASA.
NASAKIDS.
Meanwhile down here on the planet
From CNN.com Roadside bomb kills 3 Iraqis, U.S. soldier Tokyo: Japanese diplomats were shot in car.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press Train Bomb Kills 36 Near Chechnya.
The following is the opening quote from my newest book, Loving, soon to be released by Pharaoh Press, UK. It fits here this morning:
The Christmas Star: Italy, 1943. Stan Scislowski
From the author of NOT ALL OF US WERE BRAVE about the 5th Canadian Armoured Division
At midnight we were on the move again, with at least five hours march yet to go. If we thought the going had been tough on the first half of the
march, we were soon to find out by comparison with the last half, we had up till now, taken only a leisurely stroll through the park.
Marching in daylight is so much easier than any night march. In daylight a man can see where he’s going and rarely, if ever will run up the backside of the man ahead, tread on his
heels, stumble on a rock, or make a misstep. A night march, on the other hand, almost without fail, ends up being a test of one’s patience and
endurance—mainly patience. As always is the case when this happens, the night resounds to the
angry shouts of men cursing each other for one reason or another. Such was the case on this particular night. We were so vocal, that if it had gone like this at the front, the enemy would have heard us coming from 10 miles away.
After two hours of fighting our way through a scrubland wilderness, we found ourselves slogging along another bone-dry riverbed. Fortunately for us the stones in this one weren’t quite as large as the rocks we’d been tripping and stumbling over earlier. After about two hours of groping our way through the inky darkness, the column entered a deep cleft in a mountainside, a cleft so deep and so narrow we could just barely make out the starlit sky above us.
Through this cleft ran a trickle of water bubbling over a base of rounded stones. After a couple more hours of groping and stumbling and cursing our way through the subterranean passage we were pretty well worn out. Legs felt like rubber not muscle and bone, while ankles throbbed from the punishment of stepping on the smooth stones of the watercourse. Shoulders ached under the irritation and pressure of webbing, while the inside of our thighs were rubbed raw by the coarse, woolen khaki of our trousers. As the hours dragged on, we kept going and going and going till I thought we’d never stop. I couldn’t see us being in any condition for any simulated assault of a hilltop, come daybreak.
Although I've never been a devout churchgoer and hardly ever uttered a prayer except in a rude and unpracticed way, a religious feeling swept over me in the two hours before first light. Straight ahead in the narrow segment of southern sky visible in the great cleft in the mountain we were slogging our way through, my eyes locked onto a bright, twinkling star. Had it not been only two days before Christmas I would not have thought anything about it.
On this occasion, however, being so close to Christmas I got to thinking about the night when Jesus was born in the manger at Bethlehem and how the three wise men traversing through the cold desert night by camel were guided by a star to where the Christ child lay. So, I fixed my eyes on that star, and all through the last leg of our trek I never took my eye off it. My thoughts on that night of nights focused on the holy birth. And, would you believe it? I no longer felt weary to the point of dropping? Rather, I felt strong and fresh enough to go another three hours. Just concentrating my thoughts on that holy night of close to 2000 years ago, and keeping my eyes on the star had a remarkable effect on me.
Strange, but true!
NRA.
From the Washington Post and Sharon Theimer NRA Seeks Status as News Outlet.
From Alternet.org and Bill Moyers The Media Consolidation Beat Goes On
By Bill Moyers, NOW.
Nation Books.
MOYERS, BILL U.S. Broadcast Journalist.
From Common Dreams.org and Bill Moyers This is Your Story - The Progressive Story of America. Pass It On.
by Bill Moyers.
Pearl Harbor Day December 7, 1941.
Pearl Harbor: Remembered.
Ships Present at Pearl Harbor, 0800 7 December 1941.
Comprehensive List of Pearl Harbor Casualties Civilian and Military Deaths on Oahu, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Sunday, December 7, 1941.
"A Date which will live in infamy".
PEARL HARBOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S Speech to the U.S. Congress on December 8th, 1941 (as delivered).
USS Arizona.
From the Tucson Citizen and Paul L. Allen UA's memorial lounge recalls 'day of infamy'Young people realize need to remember.
US and Coalition Casualties/War Crimes Tribunal.
From CNN.com Special Report War in Iraq.
From CNN.com
U.S. commander: Violence likely to increase Lawmakers urge U.S. to let Iraqis choose own leaders.
Iraqi council OKs war crimes tribunal.
From Journalism.org Understanding Military Rank Ed Offley, from his book Pen & Sword.
A Soldier's Night Before Christmas.
A Soldier's Night Before Christmas.
This site has many, many parodies of the traditional tale. Most are okayed for children, but note that some are marked Adult.
From Star Trek, to Buffy, to the Borg and Babylon Five, they are all here!
History of Christmas.
Christmas.
This site has a Friends link where you can leave a message and make a new friend if you like.
Basic Call to Consciousness.
The Six Nations of the Hau de no sau nee presented a paper to the United Nations back in 1978. Its word are perhaps even more relevant today.
Somethings to think about A Basic Call to Consciousness
The Hau de no sau nee Address to the Western World Geneva, Switzerland, Autumn 1977.
What many in this country are not aware of is the debt of the Founding Fathers to the Iroquois Confederacy in the writing of our Constitution.
Iroquois Law of Peace.
Law of Peace and the US Constitution.
Once upon a time Christmases.
From CNN.com New York: Historic homes ready for holidays.
New Offensive in Afghanistan.
From CNN.com Major Afghan offensive launched.
Afghanistan.
From the AP Press and the Seattle Times U.S.: Taliban would attack Afghan council By PAUL HAVEN Associated Press Writer.
Christmas, Ortona, 1943.
This came to me today. It seems that it was published in a Canadian Army Newspaper back in 1943.
While we are preparing for the holidays, let us keep in mind that part of our national family is on the front lines. Some of them died today. Some of them were injured, some seriously. While forces were in Italy in '43, the war was a collective effort of the whole nation. That is not so today. You are not rationing sugar, nor gas. You are not "painting" stockings on your legs. You are probably not changing your vacation plans.
Some of you are praying desperately for loved ones.
If you can do nothing else for those in active service, you can wrap them in prayer, and when they do come home, remember to say, Thanks for Your Service, and Welcome Home.
From Ortona, 1943
Who Will Help Reconstruct Iraq/ and Who Won't.
From the Washington Post and Jackie Spinner Only Allies to Help With Rebuilding U.S. to Deny Contracts to Firms From Nonsupporting Nations.
History is a not simple. Like everything everyone does, the "butterfly effect" of history ripples through lives. From Common Dreams.org and by Felicity Arbuthnot Dear Mr President - About the Iraq National Symphony Orchestra....
Bah Humbug!. Remy Benoit
Are you a Christmas person surrounded by those who constantly just "don't get it?"
Take the time with these books, give them as presents.
If you are thinking of Skipping Christmas, check that out with John Grisham first. You will find it a lot more complicated than you could possibly imagine!
If you are, or know, someone who can't get to the place of commitment, hop aboard The Christmas Train with David Baldacci
And hey, is Santa Claus real? Let Jerry B. Jenkins, Twas the Night Before: A Love Story, answer that question for you.
Enjoy!
Reconstruction Contracts for Iraq.
From CNN.com Anger over Iraq contracts list.
Just A Common Soldier.
Almost 6 months after I put this hear I have received an e-mail from the man who wrote it! I was delighted to hear from him as so many of you have sent me this poem and he should know how much his words have touched you.
The author of this piece is A. Lawrence Vaincourt and you may join him at WELCOME TO RHYMES & REFLECTIONS
The Humor and Writings of A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
So, now we know who authored this, and it is something to think about.
Resignations in Iraqi Army.
A special note first: If I am not here for a couple days, or answering your e-mails right away, please be patient. This old computer is making screaming noises. I will have a replacement soon, so please bear with me. If any of you can help with the costs of maintaining this site, it would be most appreciated. Please click on DONATE. THANKS SO MUCH, Remy
From CNN.com Coalition: Nearly half of new Iraqi army has quit Explosions heard at U.S. compound.
Saddam Captured.
From CNN.com U.S.: 'We got him'
Saddam captured near Tikrit.
WOLVERINES !!
If Red Dawn and Wolverines don't ring bells with you, check out the 1984 movie with Patrick Swayze, RED DAWN.
Christmas, 1932. Stan Scislowski
If you are running out to 'shop 'till you drop' this week, may I suggest that you make a cuppa and sit down and read this first.
As always, Stan shares from the heart.
>
Only two Christmases stand out in my memory. This isn't to say that all the others, especially those when my children were young enough to
believe in Santa Claus weren't enjoyable and memorable—they were. But the two I'm speaking about here had come under unusual circumstances and situations, adverse conditions such as should have cloaked them in a shroud of unhappiness.
The first one I speak of is the Christmas of 1932, the year my father died. It was a snowless Christmas, not as cold as one would expect at that time of year. On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, my brother Joe, myself and my sister Olga were sitting on the front steps of our run-down house, a house badly in need of a paint-job. My mother couldn't afford to buy paint.
We sat there talking about Christmas and Santa Claus, of course and I came out with 'I hope Santa Claus brings me a hockey stick and a Snakes & Ladders game.'
My sister piped up with, "Santa Claus doesn't come to poor people's houses."
This shook me to the core, and I exclaimed, "Why?" Olga answered, "Because. He just doesn't come to poor people's houses." Blunt, but true. Strangely though, for a lad as young as I was(8) I thought about it for awhile, and then came to terms with it. "If that's the way it is, then that's the way it has to be."
While we sat there in cheerless conversation under a gloomy sky, a stake truck drove up and stopped in front of our place. A man on the passenger side got out and ran up the sidewalk with a clipboard and a sheaf of papers on
it. He showed it to Olga, pointing a finger at a name thereon and asked if this family (ours) lived there (1554 Parent Ave.), to which Olga nodded assent.
The man turned about and hollered to the two men standing amidst a load of bushel baskets, and cardboard cartons. "Okay, fellows, let's go!"
Whereupon the three men carrying two bushel baskets full of groceries, candies, and other Christmas goodies, along with a large meat-basket(never see these around anymore) full of meat and a plucked goose, made their way up the sidewalk.
With the excitement as only kids our age could display at being handed something good and special we followed Olga as she directed the men around to the back entrance where the largesse was deposited on the kitchen floor to the urprise and tearful enjoyment of my mother.
The Goodfellows of Windsor had come through at the last minute and brought Christmas to the Scislowski/Hedgewick household when the prospects of a Merry Christmas appeared so bleak.
Thanks to some kind soul in the neighbourhood for turning in our names to the Goodfellows we were well on the way to having a Christmas elebration, a celebration that would be enhanced by the events of the wee hours of the night when we were tucked away under our feather-tick blankets, sound asleep.
Since Olga had made it known to me that Santa wouldn't be stopping at our house, I had no intention of waking up bright and early on Christmas morn-ing. We had no tree set up and no decorations anywhere in the house. It would be
just another humdrum day for us except for the traditional Christmas goose dinner with all the trimmings my mother could now prepare for us.
And so, when morning dawned, while I was deep in some dream long since forgotten, my brother Joe brusquely shook me awake, "Stan, Stan, come on see what Santa brought you!" It took a few seconds to get my wits about me before I leaped out of bed, almost ran into the Quebec heater (an upright wood and coal stove) and when I burst into the living-room, or front room, as we called it, there before my dancing eyes were balloons floating around and garlands
hanging from the ceiling, and best of all, a three-foot decorated Christmas tree set up on a table in the corner, around it sat brightly wrapped boxes of gifts from Santa. I literally jumped out of my skin when I spied the hockey
stick standing by the table with my name on the tag— To Stanley from Santa. And,yes, there was also a Snakes & Ladders game.
To say our household was filled with excited shouts and squeals of delight and merriness was to describe it in the mildest of terms. It was joy beyond joy and it all came out of adversity.
The Christmas tree and the presents and decorations came out of the hearts and kindness of my oldest sister Annie and my oldest brothers Peter and Mike, who somehow put enough nickels and dimes and pennies together from their
meagre earnings, Annie's from her house-cleaning jobs and Peter from his door-to-door selling of rugs and vacuum cleaners, and Mike from caddy-jobs and Border City Star paperboy earnings.
The reader, I hope, can see the message therein and why this Christmas of 1932 stands out in the memory.
Thank you, Stan for that, and for those of you reading, is there a "Goodfellows" in your neighborhood? Is there someone you need to call about, or perhaps visit with yourself?
59 Seconds That Changed the World.
The 100th anniversary of the flight at Kitty Hawk -
from CNN.com Dignitaries gather to honor first flight 100th anniversary marks day Wright brothers made history.
Chirac and Religious Symbols.
From CNN.com
Chirac: Ban headscarves in schools.
Once upon a time, way back in the Dark Ages when I was in school, we used to enjoy learning about each other's holidays and traditions. We made paper Christmas trees and Menorrahs. We played with dreidels, and learned each other's songs.
So, I have to ask this question as we see articles like this in France and here in the US.
Is this an adult issue, an adult problem that is not shared by the young people who really don't care what you are wearing about your neck, or on your head?
Would it not be more conducive to understanding, sharing to make the time to learn about the history, traditions, customes, holidays of each other, than to make all this fuss? Is this an adult issue that is truly a non-issue trying to be legislated into one?
I recall back in 5th grade when a young girl I had known from 1st grade on came up to me and said."Do you know the difference between you and me." I recall looking at her and saying, "No." She looked at me and said, "I'm black and you're white." My response was, "So...?" She said, "So let's go play."
I'm with you, Louise. Let's just let it be, and go play!.
Happy Chanukah.
Chanukah celebrations begin on Friday night with the lighting of the first candle of this Festival of Lights.
For the history of Chanukah The Story of Chanukah Holiday Central Editor: Rivka C. Berman.
One of my favorite memories of this time of year was that of the front window of a friend of mine's family. The huge Christmas tree would be in full view from the street with the Menorrah more brightly lit in front of it with each passing night. So Marty, if you are out there somewhere, Hey, call for a pizza for us!
Happy Chanukah!
Old Time Christmas in Butte.
From the Montana Standard and Walter Hinick Return to Meaderville. A recreation of 1948
Meaderville display spurs memories By Barbara LaBoe of The Montana Standard.
Please note that the high school students did this!
Butte was my grandma's home town! So, this one's for you Grandma. Miss you.
Medical Evacuations.
From UPI and Mark Benjamin Medical evacuations from Iraq near 11,000.
From the Washingtong Post and Steve Vogel Doctors Seeing More Brain Injuries From Iraq
Protective Gear May Be Contributing to Rate Higher Than in Previous Wars By Steve Vogel.
For the Children.
From CNN.com Children's hospitals overwhelmed with gifts.
Don't forget that our many of our Veterans are in hospitals too and would love to hear from you. For the locations of VA Facilities visit:
Veterans Facility Directory.
Armed Forces Relief Fund.
With the continuance of engagements abroad, many of our service people and their families are facing extreme financial hardship.
YOU CAN HELP Armed Forces Relief Trust.
4 Days Before Christmas.
From CNN.com Libyan announcement merits mixed reaction Leaders and Pan Am relatives disagree.
Time "Person" of the Year: The American Soldier.
From Time Magazine and CNN.com
Time Person of Year: The American soldier.
Condition: Orange.
From the Washington Post.com and John Mintz Terror Threat Level Raised to Orange.
Vietnam Babylift 1975.
Lana Noone, Vietnam Babylift historian, author, and mom, has created (with webmaster, Vietnam Veteran Charles B. Wilber) a website whose goal is to re-unite many "threads" of the Vietnam Babylift Era.
They include adoptees, adoptive and birth families, Vietnam Veterans, Civilian
and Military Women (DAO), and all those impacted by this historic event.
Do Visit with this important site: Vietnam Baby Lift 1975.
Louisiana Bicentennial.
From CNN.com New Orleans marks Louisiana Purchase anniversary.
From The Times Picayune of New Orleans and James Gill Once again, French get short end of stick.
The New Orleans Cabildo
Colonial Louisiana’s First City Government, 1769–1803 Gilbert C. Din and John E. Harkins.
Louisiana Purchase.
Battle of New Orleans By A. Wilson Greene.
Lewis and Clark.
It's About Life.
It is still dark outside this morning just two days before Christmas. The unusual cold here has softened some and it is just coolish and humid outside.
I just came back in a few moments ago after carrying my almost seventeen year old Lhasa Apso outside to do what needed taking care of. Then I lifted him and carried him back up the front stairs as they are, all four of them, are just too much for him now. I don't know if he will make it through the holidays and I can feel he is wondering too just what it is that is happening to him as he holds his paws around my neck.
His name is Gypsy because when he was little he fit into the palm of my hand and liked so much to travel about in the truck with me. His kennel name is Misha's Song. Misha was an adorable mixture of Labrador and Cocker Spaniel. His long black hair was like silk. Misha is a diminutive for Michael, and also means little bear. When he was six years old he fell victim to leukemia.
Misha was named for Michael who was a German Shepherd, totally protective of me with a thing for pancakes and drinking beer from a bottle.
All three of these dogs loved life, and me as I do them. They knew, Misha and Michael, the joy of the adventure of each new day. Gypsy is deaf, he is blind, almost toothless at this point, but I watch him sniff the air and he knows too that it is morning even though still dark and remains so now for him.
This year the tree won't have the precious heirloom ornaments because two little kittens live here now. One morning several weeks ago, I went to a town called Robert. There is a small supermarket there, immaculately kept and run by warm and friendly people. Many of the cashiers are young girls doing the work I did at their age. Well, that particular morning, one of the women who works there told me that someone had left two little kittens in the trash.
They live here now; their names are Gracia and Jesse. The older cats have accepted them as has Gypsy. There is a hound here too, lost, and not yet reunited with kith and kin.
The cats like to sit with the cockatiels as they sing along with ABBA or Gloria Estefan, their favorites.
All of these animals celebrate the blessings of life.
They have much to teach us as they share bowls of food, yes, of course, including what is on my plate.
It makes me wonder if we are too easily ready to put life in the trash heap; if we have grown too busy, too callous to sniff the morning air and know that each minute of each day holds such vast potential for adventure, for sharing, for the peace of Gloria singing about an arbolito, a little tree.
Have we forgotten that we were meant to sing along together?
To share our bowls of food?
We are at war; there is an orange alert; there are terrorists, and poverty and hunger and war all with their insatiable jaws feeding on us.
Or are we serving ourselves up to these gaping maws?
Perhaps that is the question this holiday season: what are we going to do about it?
Einstein once said something to the affect that you need a different kind of thinking to solve a problem than the kind of thinking that got you into the problem in the first place.
Let's not throw life into the trash can as each life that is thrown there diminishes all life. Let's think about that and remember what Rabbi Hillel said in the first century BCE:
If not now, when?
If not by me, by whom?
My prayers for all of us. May we learn to reflect the beauty of the Creation we were given; the wonder of each moment of life.
Remy
Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg is helping to preserve literature.
Can you help?
Do you have time to proofread a page a day?
Project Gutenberg.
Hero Miles - You Can Help a GI Get Home.
Find out how at Hero Miles.
What we are capable of Achieving, and Sharing.
I spent today in New Orleans at the New Orleans Museum of Art gifted by the people of Egypt who have loaned us an extraordinary collection. If you are anywhere near the Crescent City from now until the 25th of February this is a MUST SEE collection.
The exhibit, The Quest for Immortality, is presented with grace, attended with respect. The people, and there were many, visiting today, were hushed, intent, and awed by this loan from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Cairo.
The exhibition was organized by United Exhibits Group, Copenhagen and the National Gallery of Art in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
An added delight is the recently completed Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden just behind the museum. The lush almost 5 acre garden is home to fifty scupltures, live oaks, pines, magnolias, and camellias.
Designed by Lee Ledbetter of Lee Ledbetter Architects of New Orleans, and landscape architect Brian Sawyer of Sawyer/Berson, New York the Sculpture Garden is open to the public at no charge.
It is beautiful, an enchanted oasis, and again something you do not want to miss.
NOMA.
This visit, and those of you who spend time here know I have a grasshopper mind, led me to thinking of the tremendous beauty of which we are capable.
There is Monet's Giverny.
There were the The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
We could spend all night here listing the beauty we are capable of creating.
Let that be our intent as the old year ends and the new begins.
Let us tap the best of our creative powers; let us share. Thank you Egypt for what you have so graciously shared with New Orleans.
Sometimes Christmas Doesn't Go Quite The Way You Planned It.
From the Times Picayune readers Yule Be Sorry.
Blessings.
May the holiday season bring you joy, love, abundance, and health.
Let us place peace in our hearts so we may bring peace in the world.
Happy Holidays,
Remy
Bethlehem.
From CNN.com and John Vause Bleak Days in Bethlehem.
Reinstate Draft???.
From Time Magazine Should the Draft Be Reinstated?.
Boxing Day.
Boxing Day originated in England where servants had to work on Christmas Day. The day after, they were given off, given boxed presents. Boxing Day.
I went to the news online this morning and found myself on immediate overload: poison gases take lives; mudslides, a terrible life eating earthquake in Iran; air crashes; assassination attempts; orange alerts, and, of course, war.
We are instantly connected now. We cannot claim the ostrich position. We KNOW even when we don't want to. We know the hurt, the pain, the need and we KNOW how very fragile the planet is.
A wonderful man I know sent people he knew a smile for Christmas; a smile to be passed on to others. It can begin with a smile; a helping hand. Sometimes all it takes to be able to carry on is the knowledge that someone knows, that someone cares, that someone stands behind you and tells you, "Yes, you can, my dear." I know what those words meant to me during a rough time.
Yes, we can, we all can if we help each other.
Let me ask you a question. How many of you know the kind of person who literally sucks the air out of a room with their negativity making everyone uncomfortable, edgy?
Iraq.
From the Washington Post, Jackie Spinner and Ariana unjung Cha U.S. Decisions On Iraq Spending Made in Private.
Who Will Care for the Children?.
In my book, Letty, which takes place between 1873 and 1920, the main characters raise the question about the newly emerging industrial society - Who will raise the children?
It is over 100 years later and we are still asking the same question.
From Senator Chris Dodd (D) of Connecticut and Tom Paine.com America's Forgotten Future.
Tragedy in Iran.
A terrible tragedy has visited the people of Iran. May they find the strength and help they need to face this great loss. Supreme leader visits quake zone.
Vietnam Dog Tags.
I was referred to this site this morning.
It will be of interest to many of you.
Vietnam Dog Tags.
Evolution is More Important that Resolutions. Remy Benoit
Happy New Year!
Just remember this quote from Anais Nin:
Dreams are necessary to life.
We hold on to too much that we don’t need and that leaves us too little space in our lives for that which we do need. The things that we continue to carry with us from our vast history of expectations and obligations can weigh very heavy on the now us. They can stifle the possible us.
What We Owe Those Who Serve.
This is an editorial from the Washington Post. It is a reminder of our,personal and public, debt to, and the responsibility for, those who serve. Our prayers are with you.
Keep letters and packages going to those in service. Let them know we are here for them. And when they come home, don't forget the Welcome Home.
Don't leave them unattended when they are mending.
Understand that they have known things that will leave emotional scars.
Understand that a Vet is one who has served you.
New Year.
David Hackworth.
From Soldiers for the Truth and David Hackworth Saddam in the Slammer, so why are we on Orange?.
Also from Soliders for the Truth: Holiday Care for the Troops.
Domestic Violence.
From CNN.com Lieberman is proposing a Lieberman offers domestic violence plan.
This plan is directed toward women and children, but we must remember that men are abused too.
And yes, we still need legislation about this issue, but the bigger issue remains with us. What is it about the way we live, the way we raise our children, that allows this domestic violence to occur?
If he, if she, hurts you, physically or verbally, sorry, that is not love. Love is kind. Get help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Battered Men.
What Men Can Do to Stop Domestic Violence.
Women Against Domestic Violence, Inc.
Excuses for Domestic Violence.
Remember the simple Biblical phrase: Love is kind.
If you need help, you need to ask for it. Don't worry about the embarassment that the one who should love you the most is hurting you. That is an ego thing; help is a survival and healing thing. Go for it, NOW. The guilt is not yours. It belongs to the abuser. Stop carrying it for her/him
There is also help for the PTSD that goes with this. National Center for PTSD.
News for the Soul.
Would you like to listen to, read about, good news for a change?
Check this one out:)
News for the Soul.
Sugar Bowl.
From the Times Picayune Final Destination.
GO LSU!!!
From French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia. Be sure to check out my story, ANNIE.
Thank you Louisiana for how good you have been to me!
Shattered Lives in Wake of Quake.
From the Washington Post and and Karl Vick: Starting Over on Ancient Ground Iranians Struggle As Some peak Of Rebuilding Bam.
We Need to Study History.
To understand who were are; to understand why we are the way we are; to understand our potential; to understand each other, we need to study history.
We are more comfortable with that which is familiar. We can learn to live with what we understand, with what we learn we can do something about. It is a very small and fragile planet, and, once again, it is all about choices well founded in knowledge not in raging emotions.
You can start here: World History.
"Reflecting Absence".
From CNN.com Winning WTC memorial design by Michael Arad revealed.
We will rebuild. It is who we are.
Through all of this we must be aware of who we truly are; each of us as individuals, each of us as part of the "grand experiment" that didn't fail.
Our Constitution gives us room to grow; may our hearts do the same.
May this design help us remember those we have lost. Let us honor their deaths with the way we live our lives.
An Oasis from all the Angst.
I came upon a beautiful site this morning.
SnowwOwl.
Take the time to read the writings in the Guest Contributions beginning with What is Freedom by Red Feather.
In the news.
We have pictures from Mars as we reach out into the solar system on our way to the Prime Directive. For many of us, Kirk and Picard are sort of "family." But they are not there to save us, to save the Universe. That we must do ourselves. Can we grow into those roles? Only if we decide to "Engage," and to "Make it so."
From CNN.com and Reuters Astronomers find sun's 'twin'.
Meanwhile, back here on planet, "in country" as it were:
From the Washington Post Iraq's Arsenal Was Only on Paper
Since Gulf War, Nonconventional Weapons Never Got Past the Planning Stage By Barton Gellman.
From CNN.com Sky marshals plan brings backlash.
From Fox News.com Pointing Fingers at Fingerprinting by Neil Cavuto. There are 6 consecutive words in this article that disturb me. Can you guess what they are?
A Purple Heart - 62 Years Later.
From the Folsom Telegraph and Susan Laird Sixty-two years later, Purple Heart awarded
Survivor of Bataan death march is finally honored
.
Please note what James M. Hildebrand has to say about the study of history!
War Casualties Continue to Mount.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune of New Orleans A daily look at U.S. military deaths in Iraq.
Government and Religion.
The debate over the place of religion in our government has gone on since its inception with both sides of the issue adamant in their positions.
Common Dreams.org One Nation, Under Secularism by Susan Jacoby.
George Washington's prayer :
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of ubordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen."
Many peoples from many nations have come to the United States since Washington's time. We have moved from the "melting pot" to "multi-culturalism" and with that the debate on government and religion continues, indeed, perhaps intensifies.
In 1954 the words "Under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance, and thus it became a prayer as well as a pledge. For a history of this oath, visit with The Pledge of Allegiance A Short History
by Dr. John W. Baer. and if you haven't ever read Edward Bellamy's, Looking Backward, 1888 mentioned at the site, you might just consider doing so. Project Gutenberg. AND, if you are interested in helping to proof books for preservations Distributed Proofreading.
The debate will continue.
Day is Done.
Today we see the passing of Alfred Pugh, the last known combat-wounded U.S. veteran of World War One. He knew the Meuse-Argonne and in 1999 was honored as Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor of France.
They went "Over There" to make the world safe for democracy. They went to fight the "War to End All Wars." They went through hell in trenches, in No Man's Land.
I recall when a student trying to do research came to me and told me that there was no World War II, just something called the Great War. His problem was that his encyclopedia dated from 1938 and did not have the second war after the War To End All Wars.
Rest in peace, Mr. Pugh and thank you for your service.
Last Wounded U.S. WWI Veteran Dies at 108.
Adaptations That Came From Necessity.
From Susan B. Glasser and the Washington Post Handmade Versions Of Soviet History An Artist Shows Off Makeshift Objects People Used to Cope With Shortages. A look back at the USSR and consumer product shortages.
Casualty Rates Continue to Rise.
We don't see them being shipped home on the news everyday like we did with Vietnam, but the numbers rise nonetheless.
From CNN.com
100th U.S. military death reported in Afghanistan.
U.S. helicopter goes down west of Baghdad Homemade bomb kills U.S. soldier.
From the AP Press, Sarah Deeb, and the Times Picayune of New Orleans: Hundreds demonstrate in Iraqi city to protest woman's arrest.
Mars and the Moon.
From CNN.com and Miles O'Brien Bush to seek billions for moon, Mars treks.
From Modbee.com the AP Press and Scott Lindlaw Bush to announce manned missions to Mars, moon.
From the Washington Times and Charles Rousseaux Shooting for the Moon?
VETERANS' OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.
"Engage."
Bush Speech at NASA HQ.
Transcript of President Bush's Speech at NASA HQ.
Baby, It's Cold Outside.
For those of you suffering from the winter onslaughter of the snow and deep freeze, please be careful. Join CNN.com for some things that may help you get through it. Special Report: Winter Weather.
500 + 1.
That is the number this morning; 501 GI's lost in this war. That doesn't include the wounded.
Numbers are cold things when we look at them.
We need to put them in perspective.
What was the size of your high school graduating class? Does that make the number 501 seem more real?
It is the election year. We hear endless campaign speeches, endless promises, allegations, whatevers. I am not hearing how hopefuls would deal with this war, piece by piece, step by step, peace by peace.
I do not want to hear about a "secret plan" for peace. We have been there, done that. We need to get beyond the glitz and get to the plans to sort this all out. Who has what plan?
While the electoral process is set up in Iraq, people are dying; people are being injured; lives are being turned upside down on all sides.
I am all for the exploration of space; but we have this space to deal with now. We have a question to ask of ourselves; what will we take with us into space? What do we intend to do with space once we get there?
From CNN.com Three U.S. soldiers among 5 killed in Iraq blast American death toll rises to 500 since war began.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune:
State-by-state breakdown of U.S. deaths in the Iraqi conflict.
American soldiers killed in action since World War II.
A Salute to Our Veterans.
From the Washington Post
and Daniel Williams Clerics Urge Shiites to Protest
Call for Iraqi Elections Carries Hint of Violence.
and Robin WrightU.N. Support Crucial in Iraq, U.S. Says
White House Plans To Appeal to Body To Send Envoys.
Faces of the Fallen.
We must look at these faces and demand answers from all the candidates. We owe those who served and gave their all that much. We owe those who served and are wounded that much.
" If not now, when?"
Daniel Webster.
Webster was born on January 18, 1782.
He was noted for his eloquence.
When was the last time that you sat down and read something from the archives of our history?
Sometimes it is good to take a "refresher course" about who we are and where we came from.
Our road to January 18, 2004 has not been smooth.
Our roses have had thorns; they have been bloodied.
Mr. Webster is noted for this speech.
Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable
JANUARY 26, 1830.
"I Have a Dream".
Many of you will be off work tomorrow.
Some of you are old enough to remember this speech.
For others it will be new.
Dr. Martin Luther King I Have a Dream.
Demands for Elections in Iraq.
From CNN.com
Iraqis march ahead of U.N. meeting.
Japan in historic Iraq deployment.
Danish army: Iraqi shells WMD-free.
From the Washington Post
Blood, Bewilderment and Rage By Pamela Constable.
Foreign Policy in Court.
Turning Troops Into Teachers Popular Program Becomes Recruiting Tool for Hard-to-Fill Classroom Jobs
By Rosalind S. Helderman.
Khe Sanh.
Remembrances of Khe Sanh By Jim Wodecki USMC, FLC, FLSG-A, Khe Sanh 66-67.
State of the Union.
From Naples, Florida, the Naples Daily News Full Text of President Bush's State of the Union Speech.
From CNN.com Response from Pelosi, Daschle.
From the Washington Post and David Von Drehle
Analysis A Reactive Tone Shows His Ears Have Been Burning.
From the Washington Post Foreign Service and Pamela Constable Chaplain Puts Green Beret Past to Use With Troops
Exploits Inspire 'Awe Factor' in Iraqi Thicket.
Election 2004.
From the Washington Post Election 2004.
Please note: Look where it says Election 2004 and click on Comparing the Candidates: Choose the Issues and See the Differences.
Putting Things Into Perspective.
Sometimes we need to sit back and remember that we are caretakers of a very fragile planet.
From Southwestern England comes a reminder that we are not the only inhabitants of this earth. If you put things on the scale of the scope of the planet's history, they begin to fall into perspective. We all need perspective. We all need to remember that we are not the only life forms.
From CNN.com 50,000-year-old mammoth found in gravel pit.
If you have never read the story, perhaps you should find a copy of Ray Bradbury's, There Will Come Soft Rains. It is an interesting reminder of our fragility on a quite different level. This one will especially appeal to you Techies out there!
By the way, some of our feathered co-habitants are in danger. Can you help? Help a Whooping Crane.
Down History Lane: The Blizzard of 1888.
This has been a bad winter weatherwise, but we do have the advantages of heated homes, indoor privies, and weather forecasting.
In March of 1888 New York City was hit with a surprise blizzard of staggering proportions.
Keep the faith, Spring will come.
In letters and pictures, the Blizzard of 1888
Blilzzard of 1888.
Picture History.
A New Constitution for Afghanistan.
From the AP Press, Stephen Graham and the Times Picayune Afghan president signs new constitution.
9/11 Panel Findings.
From the Washington Post and Dan Eggen
9/11 Panel Faults U.S. For Letting Hijackers In .
Center for Immigration Studies.
A Curriculum of United States Labor History for Teachers.
Sponsored by the Illinois Labor History Society.
WMD Findings.
From CNN.com Bush defends Iraq war in face of WMD findings.
Iraq.
From CNN.com Truck bomb detonates outside Baghdad hotel.
Home Schooled Kids Go Off to College.
From CNN.com Home-schooled students head to college.
Tet Offensive.
Thirty-six yeare ago, or yesterday.
The Tet Offensive of 1968.
Vietnam.
Published on Sunday, September 30, 2001 in the Los Angeles Times Vietnam's 1968 Tet Offensive Offers Parallels for Today by A.J. Langguth.
Surprised at Tet: U.S. Naval Forces in Vietnam, 1968 by Glenn E. Helm Reference Librarian, Navy Department Library, Naval Historical Center.
Something to Think About.
From the Washington Post and Ellen Goodman Echoes of McNamara and 'Nam.
WMD Inquiry.
From CNN.com Bush to pick panel for WMD inquiry, official says
Independent probe of intelligence has bipartisan support.
A Different Perspective.
Sometimes it is good to look at things from a different viewpoint. Join CNN.com and some graduate architecture students from Spokane Students find beauty along mundane highway.
How many other things in our lives do we need to step back from at look at from a different viewpoint?
It is Not What the Situation is But What You Take to IT.
Next Thursday is Mr. Lincoln's birthday. You all remember the stories of the log cabin, old barrel, learning to read in less than perfect circumstances. Whatever your feelings about Mr. Lincoln, he did "carry on" despite many obstacles.
The History Place Presents Abraham Lincoln.
Some of us are snow bunnies, others, like me, aren't, but these people like the challenge of the snow and ice. There are some good survival tips in this piece, and with the winter the way it has been, I thought it would be a good idea to draw your attention to it.
From CNN.com and Helyn Trickey Snow campers brave elements for icy wonderland.
It has been said that courage is not the lack of fear, but showing up, and taking a stand. Your resolve in any situation is your strength.
Phenomenal Women.com.
Are you someone who needs help?
Do you know someone who needs help?
This is a good place to start: Phenomenal Women of the Web.
There are many things in our world that we do not like to talk about. They need not only talking about, but doing something about. Domestic violence, whether directed to spouse, male or female, or to children is one of those things.
Abuse, physical or verbal, is destructive to all concerned. Trying to "make it better" doesn't work. Excuses for it don't work. Getting help, getting away from it does work. Start, start today.
At the Movies.
I haven't ever before recommended a movie here, but these three are special.
The are about friendship, determination, courage, temptation, courage, good and evil, courage, and choices.
I have been a Tolkien fan for many, many years.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a cinemagraphic wonder. If you haven't seen them, you are missing something truly special.
From CNN.com Hobbits capture key Hollywood award.
Lord of the Rings - Articles and Essays.
Yes, there is violence in them. It is interesting that we talk about the violence in movies when there is so much in the news, in the newspapers, and yet we seem to take that for granted.
It has been said that the really big things that have been done in history have come from the work of one, or a small group of people. That has been true on both sides of the struggle between good and evil.
The Lord of the Rings is a tale of the forces of good going against the seemingly all powerful forces of evil. It is a story of even parts of nature joining the side of the good. That in itself gives pause to think.
It is a tale told on a bigger than life scale. It is a tale of individual choices.
It is a tale of great courage, and courage is being there, scared, of course, but being there.
If you can't get to the movies, then do get to the library.
Changes for the Army.
From the Washington Post and Thomas E. Ricks Army Policy To Reduce Soldier Relocations Change Seeks to Aid Training, Family Life By Thomas E. Ricks.
Violence in a Time of War.
From Time Online Edition and By BRIAN BENNETT | ARBIL Will Iraq Start to Unravel?.
From CNN.com Car bomb kills 45 would-be Iraqi soldiers Attack comes day after explosion kills 50.
From the Times Picayune and the Associated Press Deadly attacks in Iraq since war began.
On CNN tonight 9 ET National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice talks with Larry King about WMD and why we went to war with Iraq
"Greatest Threat to Humanity Today".
From CNN.com Bush: WMD greatest threat to humanity Calls for new efforts to stop proliferation.
Operation Homecoming, 1973.
Operation Homecoming.
C-141 Played Role in Repatriation of Prisioners.
Vietnam War: Operation Homecoming.
Picture History: Operation Homecoming.
Thank you for your service.
Art and Storytelling from Denmark: Asbjorn Lonvig.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that there is bright color, joy, and caring in the world. We become numbed by one negative news report after another.
But there is another view of life.
A view of life filled with vibrancy, and hope.
From Denmark join Asbjorn Lonvig. in a world of vibrant art and storytelling.
Something to Think About.
There is positive energy is being for something constructive, healing, and loving.
This thought from George Bernard Shaw:
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
Remember this idea from Maslow - It is not what has happened to you, it is what you have done with the experience that counts.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Law making in Iraq.
From the Times Picayune and Jim Krane of
The Associated Press U.S. administrator threatens veto of Iraqi Islamic law measure.
Islamic Law: Sharia.
Forgotten Heroes.
Many people in this country are not aware that dogs did active service in Vietnam.
Visit with these American Forgotten Heroes: Vietnam War Dogs.
Darwin.
With evolution still such a source of argumentation...
From CNN.com Remains of Darwin's ship may lie under Essex mud.
Thank you for your patience.
We're back. All the computer stuff is finished.
Here in Louisiana it is Mardi Gras time, so Laissez les bon temps rouler.
Let the good times roll.
Mardi Gras was cancelled during WWII. As I understand it, it was cancelled one year for the Korean War, none for the one in Vietnam.
For those of you who can't join us, well, share the party at Mardi Gras.
And, there are still hotel rooms available!
From Iraq:
CNN.com Bremer: No Iraqi polls for a year.
Japan on alert as troops depart.
And to add a little perspective to our wars and our parties, something to think about here:
From CNN.com and Robert Roy Britt Black hole seen ripping star apart.
Planetoids, Termites, and Travel.
Once again we are reminded of the vast expanse of the Creation, however we believe it came to be. And once again we need to think about our place in it all.
From CNN.com:
Astronomers spy 'planetoid' half Pluto's size.
By Michael Schulder Hidden, hungry invader threatens city of Mardi Gras.Avid wreckers: City fights Formosan termites
Tennessee: Trail to trace diverse religious heritage.
Questions About the Use of the Military in a Free Society.
From Fox News.com and Peter Brownfeld Defining the Domestic Role of the Military.
To clarify some of the references in the above, please visit with:
Reporting from the front lines: US in WWI.
WWW-VL: HISTORY: USA: 1910-1920.
A. Mitchell Palmer.
Soviet Ark.
Paralyzed Veterans Meet With Young People.
Paralyzed Vets visit with Maryland Youth.
Origins of Mars?.
From CNN.com Mars rover discoveries point to planet's origins.
Back here on earth, from the Times Picayune and the Newshouse News Service, the plant that plagues the South just might have a silver lining! Kudzu may help fight age-related diseases.
Bringing History Alive at Valley Forge.
Those of you who have visited the area know how lovely Valley Forge is. It is also home to a large part of our history as a democratic people.
Here is something to look forward to!
From the Philadelphia Inquirer and Nancy Petersen A museum molded for Valley Forge By Nancy Petersen.
Louisiana Soldier Killed in Iraq Honored at Home.
From the Times Picayune and the Associated Press Fallen soldier from Alabama unit honored in Louisiana hometown.
Veteran Mental Health Care.
From NPR All Things Considered VA Mental Health Services.
Putting Things in Perspective. Remy Benoit
Perhaps it is because I am getting older.
Aren't you supposed to get a bit grumpy as you get older?
But watching the TV, the new "reality show" ads, the in your face extremely bad taste commercials, I can't help but wonder where are our heads are?
What passes for "family" entertainment and commercials makes me wonder "whose family, on what planet?"
I am not into the "ah, in the good old days we" thing.
Were the 50's good old days? Korea, McCarthy, Hungary, Cold War?
How about the 60's? Assassinations, Cuba, Vietnam, cities burning? When young people tell me they wish they had lived in the 60's, well, I tell them, "No, no you don't."
Then there are the 70's, 80's, 90's. Which of them rank as the "good old days?"
I read Jimmy Breslin's piece this morning from Newsday.com
It is not pleasant. It is certainly in your face, as it should be, about our perspectives, our priorities. It is not for the sensitive, but maybe, just maybe it is time that we get sensitive; that we face reality; that we see the face of the soldier "on Page 18" and when we paste up our newspapers we do a little re-shuffling of priorities, perspectives, and sensitivities.
From Jimmy Breslin and Newsday.com Haunted By A Soldier's Face.
Iraq - Arabs and Kurds.
From the AP Press, Scherezade Faramarzi, and the Times Picayune Kirkuk.
War and Military Families.
From David Wood and Newhouse News War's Invisible Casualties: The Families of Part-Time Soldiers.
You Can Help Make Things Better.
This morning I direct your attention to two organizations that want to help heal the world.
What can a $10 a month contribution possibly do to help alleviate suffering? Go to The $10 Club.
Are you concerned about the state of the Mississippi River and other rivers? Find out what is happening to clean them up at Living Lands and Waters.
Violence Rocks Iraq on Ashura Holy Day.
From CNN.com Blasts rock Baghdad, Karbala.
Ashura.
An Oasis.
Some of you may be familiar with the site
Inner Self.com.
It offers you a wide range of essays, book reviews, insights that will help provide an oasis of comfort, growth, and thought to your day.
This is a featured article by Gerald G. Jampolsky who talks with us about the choice between fear and love. Being Love.
Today in US History.
It is the 3rd of March.
Lots of things that will ring familiar made their debut on this day. This is an interesting site and you can check out your own birthday too.
Those Were the Days.
End of an Era.
From CNN.com Godzilla taking a break -- for now
Japanese film producer putting star on hiatus.
Spring Is On Its Way.
Spring is reaching out to us here in Louisiana,reminding us that life reaches for itself; for growth and fruition.
I have planted many vegetables and flowers as well as fruit bearing bushes. There is joy and connection in garden work and I believe it is a responsibility of parenting to teach the young the satisfaction of preparing food they have grown.
I don't feel that canning and drying food should be allowed to become "forgotten arts."
If you would like to know about these arts, I suggest the series of Foxfire books and John Seymour's The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back-to-Basics Guide.
There are many rituals and traditions surrounding Spring. For information on these do visit Solstice and Equinox.
Plant something in the ground, in a pot, in an old teacup and enjoy watching it grow.
Start a compost pile to help give back to the earth.
Take a walk in the sun.
Say hello to blooming cherry tree.
Re-connect and touch Creation.
Be what you want the world to be.
If you would like to share your feelings about Spring do write to me through Feedback.
Blessings,
Remy
American Heritage Magazine.
I would like to bring your attention to the March 2004 issue of American Heritage Magazine.
There are some articles I feel would be of particular interest to you:
Mike McLaughlin's Anatomy of a Crisis about the USS Maddox in the Tonkin Gulf;
Kevin Baker's "Your Brave and Early Fallen Child..." How Should a President Honor the War Dead?;
David Hackett Fischer's The Spirit of '76.
You may visit with American Heritage Magazine.
and with the USS Maddox Association.
Needs of Veterans.
From Scott Heiser,the Colorado Daily ( University of Colorado), and Veterans for Common Sense: War's hidden costs.
A Perspective on Economics 101.
From Thom Hartmann and Common Dreams.org Democracy - Not "The Free Market" - Will Save America's Middle Class.
10th Planet?.
While the new Spanish government is planning on pulling troops out of Iraq in the coming months Spain PM-elect: Troops out of Iraq.
and the election debates go on Officials defend Bush from Kerry criticism.
scientists may have found the 10th planet of the solar system: Scientists find '10th planet'.
KEEP IN MIND - WHILE THE CAMPAIGNING GOES ON AND B-BALL GAMES ARE ON THE TUBE - OUR SOLDIERS ARE IN IRAQ - THEY ARE DOING A SOLDIER'S DUTY AND THEY ARE BEING WOUNDED AND THEY ARE DYING.
Do them the honor of looking into their faces and thanking them for their lives. It doesn't matter what your position is on this war - they are paying the price. From CNN.com again Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties.
Windstar Wildlife Institute.
A friend sent me pictures of Mars today.
Scientists feel that they have perhaps found the 10th planet in the Solar System.
I chat with "invisible ink" here with people across the world each day.
The solar system, the planet itself, grows smaller everyday. We know of things, we use things, unimagined by most of the people who ever lived.
I took a walk today with my son around the property. There are tiny wildflowers popping up all about in all their pink, yellow, white, and purple wonder. Daffodils, hosta, gladiolas are reaching for the sun.
The crayfish are busy building their fascinating mounds.
Life flourishes with abundance when we encourage it. The climbing roses are reaching for support.
The planet asks for our support.
Click and read the interview with Thomas Patrick, WindStar Wildlife Institute.
And then, visit with WindStar.
Two Tropical Birds Join the Extinct List.
From by Joshua Reichert, the Los Angeles Times, and Common Dreams. One by One, the World Is Becoming a Lonelier Place.
Budgets and National Parks.
From USA Today and By Kitty Bean Yancey Cost crunch will force national parks to slash services Reports warn of 'crippling' cuts.
Differing Interpretations of the News.
From CNN.com Powerful blast shatters Baghdad hotel.]
From Reuters and CNN.com House terrorism debate turns bitter.
From CNN.com Spain: Hunt stepped up for bombers.
The world mourns the losses that Spain has suffered. Know that our prayers are with you.
From CNN.com Muslims, Europeans 'wary' of U.S.
From Mark Engler and Tom Paine.com The Movement's Momentum.
From Salim Lone, Globe and Mail, and Common Dreams.org Spain: An Example For Us All Madrid's Decision to Pull its Troops from Iraq Unless the UN Takes Over Doesn't Give in to Terrorists -- it Undercuts Them.
George Bush.
John Kerry.
From the AP Press and the Times Picayune Congress-Iraq-Resolution.
From Jim Abrams, the AP Press and the Times Picayune House Iraq resolution turns into partisan debate.
On the Practical Side.
This website was sent to me today and I thought it might be useful to some of you. Thanks for pointing it out, Barry.
Mr. Fix It.
A Personal Note: Northeast High, Philadelphia, 122nd Class.
This June we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our high school graduation.
THAT is very hard to believe!!
I am curious as to whether some of you are still following " The Impossible Dream. "
I wonder how many of you still live in the same area or have moved far from home.
I wonder what joys and woes life has brought you and how you have lived through them.
You won't recognize this name; women do have name changes :)
But I will give you a couple hints that narrows down such a huge Baby Boomer class.
My hair was reddish brown, still is; I was very shy, and took Latin for 4 years.
And I would love to hear from you.
So, just click on feedback and say "Hey."
Blessings,
Remy
A Thought for the Day and Every Day.
We live in a time of incredible change.
No one of us could even begin to process the amount of information available to us each day.
Yet with all the labor saving devices, with all the instant communication, day by day we seem to have less and less time.
Perhaps because of the time crunch, and workers in the US have less vacation than other comparable cultures, while many people have no idea of even the concept of vacation time, little thought, little attention is given to the glaring information, the reality, that hunger, disease, poverty, starvation, and war are still very much a part of our lives on the planet.
The technology will continue to change, perhaps even more quickly than we can keep up with it. That is a natural evolution.
The labor saving devices will continue to be developed following the same evolutionary lines.
We need to think about the planet; we need to think about how we are going to fuel all these innovations; we need to think about how we are going to bring them to all people, not just some people. We need to learn to share our milk and cookies as grownup, responsible Terrans.
And that brings us to the real work of this still new century.
The work of this century, the work of all of us this century, is work on the spirit; work on connecting with each other and the planet. We need new myths, connecting myths, that show us our similarities rather than feed our differences.
We need larger than life images so we can become larger than the ego life; so we can grow into the spirit and continue the Creation rather than destroy it, ourselves, and the planet.
In the words of Arnold Toynbee:
To get to know each other on a worldwide scale is the human race's most urgent need today.
Remember that to have peace one must be peace and that comes from inner work being reflected in outer life.
We can "make it so," but like anything else we want in our lives, we must truly want it.
Once again, we come back to choices.
Finding Your Own Path Home.
I would like to draw your attention to the April 2004 Issue of Better Homes and Garden Magazine and an article by Sharon Overton called Healing, Giving, Baking.
It is the story of one woman's journey to healing by keeping journals and baking cakes for her friends and her book shop specializing in cook books.
Each of us has a special love for something. Perhaps like this woman you can find peace through doing what you like to do.
You can visit Better Homes and Gardens. and find information on cooking, crafts, health, redecorating, and gardening, all good paths to healing.
And if you have a soft spot for the critters, click here Pet Photo Contest.
"(75 percent) believe veteran’s health care should be a "top to high funding priority" in the federal budget.".
From the Paralyzed Veterans of America...
"Most Americans (87 percent) also support making veteran’s health care funding mandatory."
For the full article: Americans Voice Strong Support for Veterans Health Care and Benefits; Most Say Veterans Issues Will Play Role in Election Decision.
HR 163.
Universal National Service Act of 2003 (Introduced in House).
In search box, type in HR 163
President Bush -Hans Blix - Colin Powell - Kofi Annan - and Others.
From Reuters, Common Dreams.org and Andrew Stern
Blix Says Iraq War May Have Worsened Terror Threat.
From Reuters, Common Dreams.org and Arshad Mohammed
Arab Journalists Walk Out of Colin Powell's Press Conference.
From Mother Jones.com The "A" Word.
From Fox News.com and Lisa Porteus Bush Marks First Anniversary of Iraq War.
Protest National and International.
From CNN.com Protesters rally against Iraq war, occupation
Worldwide demonstrations mark year of conflict.
From MoveOn.org Honor Our Troops.
A Different Dimension to Terrorism?.
From Time.com and Tony Karon Why the Qaeda Threat is Growing.
Funding Elections.
Did you ever wonder about funding political campaigns; where the money comes from; who donates to whom; what restrictions there are?
You will find some of the answers to those questions here: White House for Sale.
9/11 Revisited.
From CNN.com 9/11 panel holds public hearing Tuesday Rumsfeld, Powell to testify.
From Fox News.com Panel Probes Bush, Clinton Response to Al Qaeda.
From CBS News.com
Clarke's Take On Terror.
Excerpt: 'Against All Enemies'.
From the AP Press, Tom Raum, and the Dayton Daily News.com
White House Rebuts Ex- Bush Adviser Claim.
Commission Continues.
From Common Dreams.org and by John V. Whitbeck A Moment to Pause and Reflect.
From Fox News.com and Lisa Porteus Clarke: 'Your Government Failed You'.
From CNN.com Charges, countercharges on 9/11 Gripping testimony as panel ends hearings.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Edward Epstein, Chronicle Washington Bureau Ex-terrorism chief Clarke tangles with GOP critics
Families of Sept. 11 victims praise his blunt testimony at hearing.
From the New York Times, Veterans for Common Sense.org The Things They Wrote
Fallen Soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
From Newhouse News and Bruce Alpert Veterans Protest Reduced Medical Exams for Returning Soldiers.
From AlterNet.org and David Sirota, Christy Harvey and Judd Legum The Progress Report: Analyzing the Testimony.
The Commission and Ms. Rice.
From CNN.com Bush insists he would have stopped 9/ 11 attacks if possible
Rice seeks another private meeting with commission .
Medical Problems with Troops.
From David Goldstein, Knight Ridder Newspapers and Veterans for Common Sense.org -Pentagon Confirms.
We Still Have a Long Way to Go.
Does it surprise you that " 80% of all refugees and displaces persons globally are women and children?"
That is simply one thing that Women For Women. can explain to you. Please visit them.
S1353 `Widows and Orphans Act of 2003'. could help protect women and children at risk.
An International Priority List. Remy Benoit
Early this morning I took our little puppy Boo out for a walk. The sun was just coming up and its rays filtered and dispersed through the mist onto a patch of clover. It was lovely, quiet, and yes, holy.
As I read and listen to the news, I am, like you are bombarded with negativity, fear, anger.It doesn't make me feel like the sun on the clover did this morning.
Here in the States it is an election year with all kinds of questions being raised, all kinds of accusations being made, all kinds of special interest groups with their own particular voices.
The international news is of the same nature.
We tend to have our priority lists of what needs to be done this day, this week, this month, this year. What we haven't caught on to is that what happens everywhere else on this fragile blue planet impacts on that list.
People are starving in huge numbers "out there;" wars are waging across the globe. Some of you may have someone you love involved in one of them. Some of you are living with, suffering with the residuals of another one. Some of those "out there starving" are just around the corner from you.
There are children from ghettos who cannot conceive of what the word forest means, nor what a warm bed is, or food enough to keep the pains away.
There are adults trying to make it with no jobs available; with bills piling up with no way of repayment. There are people with two minimum wage jobs, and no health benefits from either, who are still not making it.
There are people living in tin covered, leaking, non-heated hovels sans plumbing on poor and non-productive soil that they are trying to bring to fruition.
There is religious, racial, gender, international intolerance, misunderstanding, and non-communication. And because of that, the long, but only partial list of ills, above will continue.
There is the "bottom line" in numbers in ledgers with no thought of the human component of the bottom line.
The media assaults our sensitivities with increasingly vulgar displays and call it "family entertainment."
It is said that we get what we accept. These things all continue because we allow them to. Your voice can make a difference.
http://www.niquahanam.com The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World is a place where you can share your ideas about how to start prioritizing the above list which is barely inclusive. You many add to that environmental concerns, child care, needs for substantial reforms in education, the need to keep the morals observed on your respective weekly Holy Day in tact during the week. The moral structure of the workplace should reflect those propounded on the Holy Days, not the bottom line. If you do not observe one of those a week, well, then the old Golden Rule will do nicely.
Does your village need a well, need schoolbooks? Let us know on the site so others can see your need and hopefully move to fulfill it. School textbooks by the gross go into dust bins each and every June here.
By the way, the folks down in Key West have more chickens and turkeys than they know what to do with. Maybe you need some?
If you are alone, or want someone to "talk with" on line, to share ideas with, let them know.
If you have an idea but not the technical skill to work it out, ask for help.
Ask questions that you would like answered; give answers you have to questions.
Share a story, share a poem, an experience, something that you have learned that might help someone else; in helping someone else, you are helping all of us.
If you need a link or an e-mail activated, click on Feedback and I will see to it.
Do not just sit back and say it is all falling apart, that there is no hope. Do something, say something, share something.
When I was growing up, we had that insane policy of Mutually Assured Destruction. Yes, it truly was quite MAD. But if we don't try to learn about each other, help each other, factor in the humanity being crushed in bottom lines, dying from residuals of wars in their bloodstreams, we are still so much following that path.
Are you aware that all across Europe and Russia, active munitions are still being dug out of the ground from WWII, WWII and in some cases the 1870 war?
Are you aware of what landmines are doing across the globe?
Are you aware that the US is a non-signatory to landmine regulation?
The only way we can prioritize the needs of the planet is if we work together on it.
Express your views, ideas, book reviews, site recommendations, frustrations, observations, ideas, needs with grace and dignity. This is an international family site and vulgarity is not the thing to be bringing to it. Bombs generate more bombs, and so does lack of control in expressing your self generate more fear, hate, and anger. Be for something, try to steer it into a human and planet friendly course.
Again, again, again...it is all in the choices we make.
Again, again, again...it is like Einstein said you cannot solve problems with the same thinking that made them.
Step out of the box and into some new shoes, your own, or take that proverbial walk in someone else's and blaze a new path.
Join us at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. a pro bono site for the well being of all of us. Please forward this to your friends as an Open Invitation to share themselves and their ideas with all of us.
Blessings,
Remy Benoit
Military Order of the Purple Heart.
There are many Veterans out there who have earned a Purple Heart.
Do you know what that means?
You can learn about what is necessary, what they have gone through to earn it, at Purple Heart Explanation.
Purple Heart. has information about Veterans benefits, affairs, claims, scholarships, etc.
YOU can help them during this special event drive by sending a $10 donation to:
Tony Rivera at
MOPH
National Region I Commander
1647 William Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024-2624
They were there for you - please be there for them. And hey, add a note on your check that says, Thank you for your service. You may have no idea how much that means; or maybe you do.
Casualties Mount.
From CNN.com and Mike Mount March second-deadliest for U.S. troops.
From CNN.com
9/11 panel scours Clinton records.
From Common Dreams.org Floor Statement of Sen. Daschle.
If You Served In These Areas You Should Be Aware and HURRAH for Danville.
From Veterans for Common Sense and Reuters522 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Hit with Leishmaniasis, a Parasitic Skin Infection.
And from Veterans for Sense, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Jim Herron Zamora
SOMETHING TO WARM YOUR HEARTS!!
Welcome Home, Soldier.
"Flawed Sources".
From CNN.com Powell: 'Flawed sources' behind pre-war U.N. testimony.
From Tom Paine.com and Traci Hukill Conscientious Objectors.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press Powell Not Sure Iraq Trailers Were Labs.
Water to Land.
From Scientific American.com
Fins to Limbs.
We need to look beyond ourselves in a vast perspective of the life and our universe to put things in our lives in order.
From The AP Press, The Winnipeg Sun and Alicia Chang Rat genome mapped out
Offers clues to disease research.
From the Hubble Site News Center Hubble's Deepest View Ever of the Universe Unveils Earliest Galaxies.
Cost of War in Iraq by the Minute.
Cost of War.
In the News.
From the New York Times, Mercury News, Douglas Jehl and David E. Sanger Rice at center of terror dispute.
From the San Francisco Chronicle EDITORIAL A free press in Iraq.
From Fox41.com U.S. Launch Operation "Vigilant Resolve" In Fallujah.
From the AP Press, Khalid Mohammed, and Common Dreams.org 10 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraqi Violence.
For Background on the area:
Islamic History.
Middle East History.
Sun Tzu: The Art of War.
Carl Von Clausewitz: On War.
Iraq.
From Bloomberg.com Richard Keil and Joe Sobczyk Bush Affirms Iraq Deadline; Kerry Calls for Diplomacy.
From China View.net Baghdad confident of containing violence: Iraqi interim FM>
War and its Concomitants.
From Newhouse News and Dave Parks Historians Trace Modern Drug Industry Back to Civil War.
From New House News and Mark O'Keefe Desecration of the Dead Sends a Powerful Message to Enemies.
Lawmakers Compare Engagements.
From CNN.com
Lawmakers compare Iraq to Vietnam White House rejects comparisons.
Holy Days in April.
Passover.
Easter.
We need to learn about each others' beliefs...we need to think about our commonalities more than our differences. That way we have a chance to understand the common needs of humans. If we do that we just might leave something of worth as a legacy to our children.
News for Us Cat Lovers.
Oh, yes, there are cats here! 4 ladies.
But how long have they been around the houses of humans? From azcental.com and Dan Vergano House cats date back 9,500 years, excavation finds.
Iraq a Year Later.
From Mercury news.com and Patrick Peterson and Carol Rosenberg Knight Ridder
6 Americans killed in Iraq as violence presses on.
From Boston.com and Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press, Public's anger over crisis tests Koizumi's leadership.
From the Sydney Herald and Reuters Clashes erupt in Baghdad, US offers Falluja truce.
From Cnn.com War in Iraq:Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties.
Up close and personal The Memory Hole
US Military Personnel Wounded in Iraq & Afghanistan: A Running Log.
Iraqi Body Count Project.
War is not pretty. We have to look at it up close and personal. Those who are there are doing just that.
Protests in Central Highlands of Vietnam.
From CNN.com Violent clashes in central Vietnam.
This is Easter Sunday. To all of you abroad in service to your country, Be safe, God speed to bring you home to your loved ones.
Increasing Casualties.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, cbsnews.com and the AP Press Six Hundred Dead in Fallujah; Sixty Six U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq this Month.
9/11 Hearings Continue.
Reno and Ashcroft Scheduled to testify on Tuesday.
From CNN.com and Terry Frieden
CNN Washington Bureau Justice, FBI officials prepare for 9/11 testimony.
From Common Dreams.org
and Walter Cronkite White House Hindering 9/11 Probe.
and Senator Robert Byrd A Call for an Exit Door from Iraq
by Senator Robert Byrd Senate Floor Remarks
April 7, 2004.
President Bush.
CNN.com
Bush stands firm on Iraq, war on terror.
The Casualties Grow and We Mourn.
From the New York Times and Monica Davey Deadly Week Ends in Tears for the Fallen.
War is Personal.
From CNN.com Hometown prays for captured soldier.
Civil War Heroes Honored.
From CNN.com 'Last funeral' of Civil War honors submarine crew.
Bob Woodward: Plan of Attack.
From Veterans for Common Sense, CBS News and Mike Wallace Journalist Shares War Secrets.
US Death Toll Reaches 700 in Iraq.
From CNN.com Eleven more U.S. troops die in Iraq
Spain to withdraw troops 'in the shortest time possible'.
Care for Veterans - Something for all of us to care about.
From Veterans for Common Sense, Diane Sawyer and Paul de la Garza ABC News and St. Petersburg Times
VA Scandals Unfold as Veterans Wait for Medical Care .
From CNN.com Bush urges Patriot Act renewed, expanded.
From Tom Paine.com and Thomas R Asher Losing Control.
From Tom Paine.com and Richard Dreyfuss God Made Me Do It.
From Fox News.com Ridge Forms New Terrorism Task Force.
From Fox News.com Jordanian King Postpones Bush Meeting.
Are you interested in the latest news on Veterans Issues?.
You can sign up for e-mail alerts on Veterans Issues at Google News Alerts: Veterans Issues.
Can You Read This?.
If you can read this, you know how essential reading is to life, to international understanding.
Visit with Room to Read. and see what you can do to help us understand each other.
Wouldn't we rather help children learn to read than see misunderstandings of each other lead to things like this Basra bombs kill at least 68 Iraqis 18 schoolchildren among the dead, police say.
Honoring the Fallen.
From Veterans for Common Sense, the Seattle Times and Hal Bernton The somber task of honoring the fallen.
Military History Dates.
In Vietnam, on this date, the Battle of the Hills began. For other dates in military history visit with Military History Dates.
A Marine was laid to rest yesterday at close to seventy. He was a good man. He liked to laugh. When I was a kid, he teased me good naturedly. He was my cousin.
Bob, you will be missed. Go with God.
A Heart Warming Welcome Home.
From the Times Union and JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST Soldier's mother opens heart, home to an army.
Iraq.
From Voice of America
Baghdad Blast Destroys Building, US Vehicles.
Dozens of Civilians, Several US Soldiers Die in Iraq Kerry Sheridan.
War and Terrorism and the Homefront.
From CNN.com Jordan says major al Qaeda plot disrupted.
From Howard Zinn and Common Dreams.org What Do We Do Now?.
Geroge Bush Agenda.
John Kerry Agneda.
It is necessary to the survival of a democracy that the voters understand the workings of government; that they keep themselves informed.
It is an election year. Do keep informed.
From the Past to the Present in Iran.
From Smithsonian Rocking the Cradle - Aratta.
This is a PDF file - you will need Adobe Acrobat
Veterans.
From CNN.com Bush calls for electronic medical records.
From Disabled Veterans of America David W. Gorman to Donald H. Rumsfeld.
Injuries.
From Veterans for Common Sense.com and Karl Vick of the Washington Post The Lasting Wounds of War.
Nightline Tribute to the Fallen.
From Reuters and Forbes.com
"Nightline" devotes show to reading war dead names.
Casualties Continue to Climb As Bush Addresses 9/11 Commission.
From ABC News.com and the AP Press U.S. Marines to End Siege of Fallujah
U.S. Marines to End Bloody Siege of Fallujah; All-Iraqo Force to Take Over City's Security.
World WAR II Memorial.
From Fox News.com and the AP Press
World War II Memorial Debuts.
Division Over Nightline.
From the Kansas City Star and LIZ HALLORAN of the
The Hartford Courant Nightline Divides Audience.
Iraq.
From CNN.com Bush speech anniversary draws scrutiny, commentary.
Help for Severely Disabled Vets.
From DefenseLINK News New Program Cuts Red Tape for Severely Disabled Soldiers.
Down History Lane - May 1970.
President Nixon: Cambodian Invasion.
An Iraq War Veteran Speaks. Remy Benoit
It is the weekend.
Yesterday storms raged through here bringing much needed rain. A new yellow rose is about to open this morning.
Some of you are in church now.
Some of you are swimming, fishing, sleeping in.
Much of Jazz Fest was rained out in New Orleans this weekend.
Have you had your morning coffee?
Have you had your hot shower; a dip in the pool?
Have you cut your grass, done your wash, watched the tube, the NBA playoffs, the Kentucky Derby?
Did you make toast, barbecue a burger or steak, scramble an egg?
Have you hugged your wife or husband or children?
Those are all normal things we do. And we should be doing them. But many of us are not home to do them.
We are not using ration stamps. We drive our cars, buy new tires, have lots of flour and sugar, if we are lucky; if we are not some of the millions of Americans without sufficient food or housing. We have those things if we are not senior citizens who have to make a choice between the cost of meds and the cost of food.
We are not planting Victory Gardens although many of us are raising vegetables.
Some of us are in an active combat zone that took heavy casualties last month. While we celebrated May Day, they knew war although we were told it was a Mission Accomplished a year ago.
Let us not forget them. Let us be there for them. Let us listen to them, the ones who are there; the ones who know what they need to do what we have sent them to do.
From CNN.com Iraq war vet says leaders must own up to errors.
Carter Center.
Jimmy Carter's organization to help bring about conflict resolution, global development, and human rights.
International Hope.
Peace Organizations.
Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Unity On Line.
Renaissance Alliance.
Hope Magazine.
What is Enlightenment?
Help to Heal the World.
If you have a favorite place of sharing and hope, please do share it with us.
Karbala and Najaf.
From Fox News.com and Paul Wagenseil Background: Karbala and Najaf.
Bush Proclaims annual National Day of Prayer and Asks for 25 Billion More.
Although Not in the Headline news,the first Thursday in May is
National Day of Prayer. You will need Adobe Acrobat for this.
From CNN.com
Bush asks for $25 billion more for Iraq, Afghanistan.
Official: Bush chastises Rumsfeld.
And on the subject of elections, and quality of leadership, from the Boston Globe, Common Dreams.org Five Qualities of Leaders We Can Trust by Diana Chapman Walsh.
With Saturday the anniversary of VE Day, it is interesting to note this quote from Ike -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.
Can we make this an International Day of Prayer, not by decree, not by proclamation, but with our hearts?
Please Help Your Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger.
From CNN.com Letter carriers to 'Stamp Out Hunger'.
and from Grist Magazine.com Eyes on the Prize - Interviews with the 2004 winners of environmentalism's top prize by Michelle Nijhuis.
Need some links to uplift, inspire, motivate, make you know that you are not alone out there? Try this one!
Motivational and Inspirational Corner.
Down History Lane: VE Day.
May 8th is celebrated as VE Day. For you young ones, that means Victory over Europe, the end of the Third Reich.
For those of you who were there the memories must still be fresh, and intense.
War is a terrible thing, a lesson we are all still learning.
In the following link, New Yorkers remember VE Day. If you have memories to share of the end of WWII or another war, please just click on Feedback and do so.
From Newsday.com Long Islanders Remember V-E Day By Michael Dorman.
PRIME MINISTER CHURCHILL'S SPEECH TO V-E CROWDS IN LONDON.
So, buy a poppy, and say Thank you to a Veteran.
Commentary on Iraq.
From Sports Illustrated, Rick Reilly, and Veterans for Common Sense.org The Hero and the Unknown Soldier.
Normandy Vets Denied Right to Parachute.
From CNN.com this thought provoking piece. They were not too young to parachute onto the beaches once upon a time, but now they are too old to commemorate that jump.
Elderly WWII vets denied parachute into Normandy.
Is that, dare I ask, cricket?
Down History Lane.
HAMBURGER
HILL The Real Story 1969.
From NPR American RadioWorks 2000 Revisiting Vietnam.
Veterans Benefits Guide.
Draft?.
From Utne.com U.S. Preparing For Military Draft in Spring of 2005
Legislation in the works: Selective Service System already mobilizing —By Adum Stutz / Bob Keeler / Connor Freff Cochran, Vancounver IndyMedia.org / Newsday / AlterNet.
Gardens and Inspiration.
For those of you working with the seminar here, inspiration, a muse, can sometimes come from a garden.
Visit with Eudora Welty's garden. Gardens bring peace, healing, and often, words.
From CNN.com Mississippi: New life for Eudora Welty's garden.
About the Positive Side of Life.
Yes, the are many, many positives in life. There are people helping people all day long. There is joy, and life, and faith.
If you need a boost for positive thinking, do visit with Life Changing Advice.
Wolfowitz - Billions More.
From CNN.com Wolfowitz: Iraq, Afghan costs could top $50B Lawmakers, Official tangle over control of spending.
Honor Those Who Serve: Armed Forces Day.
Saturday, May 15th is Armed Forces Day.
Flag the flag and honor those who serve.
Armed Forces Day "A Tradition of Heroes" Saturday, May 15, 2004.
When was the last time that you......
When was the last time that you cleared the decks, stopped the "monkey mind" from chattering its endless repetitons?
From Earth Light.org and Gwen Gordon Play: The Movement of Love.
New Veterans and the VA.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org and Larry Margasak - AP Boston Globe As many as 22,000 Iraq, Afghan war veterans already seek care from VA system.
If You Are Headed Toward Charleston.
From CNN.com Charleston: Exhibit chronicles Civil War siege.
Wolfowitz.
It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.
Robert E. Lee (1807 - 1870)
From CNN.com Wolfowitz.
A Thought.
Soldiers are coming to trial for alleged abuse.
Another is coming to trial perhaps for desertion for an anti-war stance.
There is unexpected resistance.
There is much questioning, buck passing, name calling etc.
But the bottom line for all of us, for each and every person who wakes and draws breath in the morning is that we are all accountable for our actions, inactions, and ultimately, for what is done in our names to each other and to the planet.
Are we reaching the place in history where we are beginning to understand that?
Do You Need Healing?.
The work of medical intuitive Carolyn Myss is much applauded.
She gives us wonderful insights into the mind - body connection.
Her work might be of tremendous value to you.
Visit with Carolyn Myss.
Foundation for a Better Life.
In a world where we are constantly confronted with bad news, it is good to have a place where you can share a positive story from your life and find those of others.
Take a look at the Foundation for a Better Life.
A Different Perspective: Buddhist Peacemakers.
From Peace Magazine Buddhist Peacemakers.
Bush to Speak on Iraq.
President Bush will speak from Carlisle on Monday, at 8 EST
From CNN.com Bush to speak on Iraq handover process.
Hope.
I went to the search engines tonight looking under the word HOPE.
There are many listings of all kinds.
We cannot live without hope. It is what keeps us going, drawing breath, getting out of bed in the morning, and taking on a new day.
We read the headline news and there are few things there to lift our spirits.
But think back to how many times in your life things seemed out of control, beyond your means, capacities, even coping. But you are here, and you made it through. Somewhere you found a ray of hope that lit the way at least to the beginning of resolution of whatever you were facing.
Make this HOPE DAY. Share a smile, say a prayer, say thanks for the day when you found a ray of hope.
There is HOPE, for all of it, if we share our strength, share our visions of things evolving and changing to the better through our efforts, no matter how small or insignificant those efforts or changes seem.
Those of you old enough will remember the old line:
It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the dark.
Light, and share, your candle, your smile, your vision and HOPE will spread and come, eventually, to fruition.
Blessings,
Remy
Bill Moyers - The Role of the Press.
Most people in the States know the name Bill Moyers.
On May 19th he spoke at a Newspaper Guild/Communication Workers of America dinner.
His words give us something to think about.
From Tom Paine.com An Eye on Power.
Tennesse v. Lane.
Supreme Court Decision on Amricans With Disabilities Act from the PVA A Statement from Paralyzed Veterans of America on the Supreme Court Decision in Tennessee v. Lane.
A Report from Landmine Survivors Network.
Land mine Survivors Network.
General Franks.
From CNN.com U.S. general's knighthood row.
Memorial Day Parades.
Here is a National listing of Memorial Day parades
Memorial Day Parades.
Ike: Countdown to D-Day.
Imagine, Tom Selleck old enough to play Ike while I am still sooo young!
On Arts and Entertainment, Selleck, our beloved Magnum, takes on the role of the Eisenhower at D-Day.
Tom Selleck as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Down History Lane.
From CNN.com David Dellinger, one of the Chicago Seven, dies.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Chicago Seven and their trial, The Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial by Douglas O. Linder.
The world turns, the days pass, and an article of clothing I ordered came the other day saying, "Made in Vietnam." It gives us pause to think.
.
Very Particular About Your Pizza?.
From CNN.com Italy sets strict pizza guidelines.
Dedication of World War II Memorial.
From CNN.com WWII memorial dedication to salute heroes.
Down History Lane :Stories of Civil War Heroes.
I had it pointed out to me that the television schedule is chock full of war movies this weekend.
The new World War II Memorial is being dedicated.
There are parades all about.
Thought to take you Down History Lane with Life Stories of Civil War Heroes. this morning.
While you are munching on those burgers and dogs, thank a Veteran for the air you breathe free.
From a Planetary Perspective.
From News FactorInnovation NASA Discovers Youngest Planet in the Universe By Rob Friedman.
From Reuters Abroad,
By Tan Ee Lyn and Carrie Lee Thousands defy China to march for democracy.
From SFGate Emotions abundant at WWII memorial outpouring of pride, sorrow for dedication.
Memorial Day.
I had a little e-mail chat the other day with a Veteran about the concept of courage.
It has been said that courage is showing up, being there, no matter how scared you are.
When I was a small child at the end of the Forties there was a man I knew only slightly.
He walked slowly, very slowly, when he went up and down the stairs to the rooming house where he lived. He had a habit of smoothing the brim of his hat when he talked; sliding his fingers around it and, I suppose, in the parlance of the times he was dapper in a Raymond Chandler sort of way. Even as a child I sensed that he knew much of the ways of the world.
He always smiled and said “Hello,” when he saw me. I never heard him complain, never saw him go in or out in a cranky frame of mind.
When I was a child we were told to mind our manners, not ask questions, especially personal ones like why a man who seemed so vibrant, so sure of himself, walked so very slowly up and down the stairs to his second floor front room; walked so stiffly in and out of the house.
I didn’t ask that question for several decades but finally did ask it of my dad.
The man in question it turned out had been a fighter pilot and had lost both his legs below the knee and had two artificial legs. The cane that I thought was part of his “look” served the function of balance for him, helped support his slow steps.
And yet this man still flew small planes. As he had shown up, where? the bloodied tides of the Normandy coast line? some atoll in the Pacific? he was still showing up for himself.
That too takes much, much courage.
I watched the dedication yesterday of the World War II Memorial. I watched the memories wash through eyes and over faces. I have seen the stare in so many of your eyes and yet you too are still showing the courage you showed your buddies by standing up, by being there for them when hell opened its doors and challenged.
To those of you who have served, I salute your courage wherever you found it; in the frozen ground of Korea, in the steaming heat of Vietnam, in desert sands, or cold mountain ridges - wherever, whenever. I salute your courage that you came home, welcomed or not, and took up lives despite the pain of memories that live in your hearts, souls, and bodies.
From the cold Delaware crossings, from Shiloh, from Chateau Thierry, from the Bulge, from Heartbreak Ridge, through the hell of Khe Sanh, and Cu Chi; through all the battle fronts since then you have shown courage.
Thank you for that.
Thank you for the air we breathe free.
God Bless All of You and Welcome Home.
Time Passes.
From CNN.com
Last widow of a Civil War veteran dies.
Some Sound Advice on Coming Home.
From Monica Davey, the New York Times, and Veterans for Common Sense For Soldiers Back From Iraq, Basic Training in Resuming Life.
Literary Agent.
I am looking for a serious Literary Agent to handle my historical fiction, poetry, and screenplays.
My newest novel, Loving, is to be published in July by Pharaoh Press, UK
You may read an excerpt from it, Anzio, at Anzio.
You will find summaries of, and excerpts from, my other three novels at:
Letty -
Letty.
Island Quilts -
Island Quilts.
Peace, Now - Peace, Now.
You will find my story, ANNIEin the Southern Independent Booksellers Book of the Year,French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia.
You may read reviews of my work at:
Reviews.
I look forward to hearing from serious inquiries. Just click on "Feedback" and leave your message and e-mail address.
Thanks so much,
Remy
Down History Lane :Midway.
June 4 - 7 1942 From the Department of the Navy Battle of Midway.
Tenet Resigns.
From CNN.com Tenet: Resigning with head 'very, very high'.
Senator McCain.
From the Wall Street Journal, Opinion Journal In Praise of Do-Gooders The Red Cross is right to criticize the U.S. military when it steps out of line. Senator John McCain.
President Bush in Rome.
Marking the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Rome from the Nazis from CNN.com Thousands march in Rome against Bush, war.
The Passing of a President.
From Fox News.com Mourning in America: Ronald Reagan Dies at 93.
D-Day: France Honors American Veterans.
From CNN.com France honors 99 brave Americans.
For a history and pictures of D-Day, visit D-Day.
French Resistance.
From National Geographic, Untold Stories of D-Day.
From Britannica Online, John Keegan on the Normandy Invasion.
The National D-Day Museum, New Orleans.
Thank you for your service.
Honoring D-Day Veterans.
From CNN.com World leaders hail D-Day veterans.
Venus Crossing the Sun.
Just to remind us of the vast scale of the Universe, from CNN.com Gatherings herald rare Venus show.
Down History Lane: D-Day.
From Time Magazine.com Why D-Day Still Matters.
"For every action..." Grand Canyon.
From CNN.com Grand Canyon in deep trouble.
Italian Hostages Fly Home.
From Reuters and Antonia Cinelli Italian Hostages Fly Home.
From CNN.com US & Coalition/Casualties.
Senate Judiciary Committee and Mr. Ashcroft.
From the Salt Lake Tribune and Christopher Smith Ashcroft says Bush never approved abuse.
From NewsMax.com
Ashcroft Says Bush Rejects Torture.
Armed Forces News.
Armed Forces News - E-Mail Our Troops.
Cheeseburgers and Diplomacy.
From the Omaha World-Herald, New York Times, and the AP Press
Burger diplomacy at summit.
Down History Lane: the 12th of June.
It is climbing to hot here in Louisiana this morning, with a dewpoint of 75 and the humidity at 94%. Looking towards 91. I hear it is cool up north.
Whatever the weather, be thankful for waking to a new day and all its possibilities. Be open to those possibilities.
What happened to day in history? Those Were The Days.
Reagan/Bush.
From New House News.com and Miles Benson Comparing the Conservative Mantles of Reagan and George W. Bush.
Reagan and the Soviets.
New American Century.
US Politics Today: A Non-Partisan Newservice for Political Professionals.
On the issue of Privacy.
From Fox News.com and Kelley Beaucar Vlahos Critics Decry Super-Snoops in Government.
Military Funeral Honors.
I apologize to the person who wrote to me today about this. I tried to respond in an e-mail, but it kept coming back.
The questions were:
What is said when the folded flag is handed to a family member?
And, is the same thing said all the time?
I asked a couple Veterans for help with this. One responded that to the best of his memory, these are at least close to the words:
Basically the same thing is said every time.
Of course, if the person presenting the flag was personally acquainted with the deceased,in
his company, or served under the officer presenting, or whatever the circumstance, the officer may add a personal note.
Ms ____ it is with the deepest sympathy and the heartfelt thanks, and with the gratitude of a grateful nation, that we present you with this
flag that draped the coffin of ____ after his ultimate sacrifice.
Another Vet suggested this website.
Military Funeral Honors.
Perhaps one of you reading this knows the exact words and would share with us. Thank you.
Remy
New Army Uniform.
From CNN.com Army Reveals New Uniform.
Long Distance Wedding Bells.
From CNN.com Soldier couple weds via videoconference.
Congratulations!!
9/11 Panel Findings.
From the Washington Post and Dan Eggen
Al Qaeda Originally Envisioned Plot With 10 Jets
9/11 Panel Finds No Collaboration Between Iraq, Al Qaeda By Dan Eggen.
Looking for a Vacation Touching Creation?.
From CNN.com Get off the beaten park path by Marnie Hunter.
Benefits?.
Perhaps you need help?
Perhaps there is some available.
Check out Benefits Checkup.
Diplomatic Discontent.
From USA Today, the Associated Press, and Pablo Martinez Monsivais Ex-diplomats, military leaders oppose Bush.
Down History Lane: Isms.
What is?
The Dawn of Liberalism: Progressivism.
Moving Ideas.
Populism.
Conservatism.
Neo-Conservatism.
Project Vote Smart.
Project Vote Smart - Who We Are.
Welcome To Project Vote Smart.
Reactions to 9/11 Report.
From CNN.com
Bush insists Iraq, al Qaeda had 'relationship'.
Cheney blasts media on al Qaeda-Iraq link.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Kerry: Bush Misled World on Iraq.
Honor the Legacy.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Honor the Legacy Veterans for Common Sense.
"Make it so.".
From CNN.com Private spacecraft readied for historic flight.
Ban On Media Coverage Continues.
From CNN.com Senate endorses ban on war dead coverage.
The News Media and the War in Vietnam Myths and Realities By Peter Braestrup.
Down History Lane: Korean War.
The Korean War: 1950 - 1953 The Korean War Web Resources - Mount Holyoke College.
Welcome to the
Korean War Veterans Association.
Korean War Project.
Casualties on the War on Terror.
From Reuters Press
U.S. Doubles Its Count of 2003 Terrorism Casualties.
A Suggestion for a NEW GI BILL.
From the Houston Chronicle, BILL GATES SR. and CHUCK COLLINS It's time for a GI Bill for the next generation.
A Whole New Meaning to Who Has the Chips?.
From MSNBC.com and Jonathan Krim of the Washington Post Embedding their hopes in RFID.
One Woman.
It is an election year.
Election years are time for introspection; for examining who we are, and what we stand for.
The news is ulcer producing.
The air is filled with accusation.
We are busy trying to keep our lives in order, pay the bills, get the kids where they need to go.
But that is one of the questions of any election year - Where do we need to go and who will we be when we get there?
The letter that follows was published initially in The Nation Magazine. March of 2003. Much has happened since then. Much will happen in the next few days.
So, Down History Lane with Margaret Atwood, best-selling Canadian writer:
From The Nation, March 27, 2003 Letter to America.
What would you write back?
Down History Lane: Carlisle Barracks.
From MSNBC.com and Suzan Shown Harjo a look at the history of the Carlisle Barracks
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5086881/">Bush in the field of screams
President's war speech was site of federal Indian boarding school.
From the Heart - land.
This is not an endorsement of the book by this author, I have not read it. But I did read what he had to say about what he learned about us in the US as he travelled about promoting it. I thought you would like to see this.
From Fox News.com Road Rules by Neil Cavuto.
Good luck with your book, Mr. Cavuto. :)
Interview with VP Cheney.
From Fox News.com and Neil Cavuto Transcript: Interview With Dick Cheney.
Iraq .
From CNN.com Iraq handover of sovereignty completed.
Supreme Court Decision.
From Boston.com Decisions may help restore US image abroad By Peter S. Canellos.
Just a thought ....
With so much pain in the news, go out of your way to smile at someone; to tell someone you love them.
If you want peace in your life, it has to begin with you.
If you are feeling down, start making a thank you list - you can start with indoor plumbing, the bed you sleep in, the food you had today...keep going...try for a hundred!
Down History Lane.
From CNN.com Returning to America's revolutionary roots
Historic sites offer vacations, July Fourth celebrations.
Saddam in Baghdad.
From CNN.com Saddam makes court appearance.
Trial Preliminaries for Saddam.
From CNN.com - CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour, CNN Producers Ayman Mohyeldin and Carol Cratty and a pool reporter Defiant Saddam rejects court, charges.
Happy 4th of July Weekend!.
Something special for you from Gary Jacobson - pass this one around - and do let Gary known that you appreciate his effort for you!
Independence Day.
When Was the Last Time You Read These Acts of Patriots?.
Like you, I have the grill ready for today.
We have company, a young man who spent much time in our home, presently on leave from the Air Force. He is family and we are blessed to have him with us.
The flag is flying; the air here will crackle with the fireworks that are legal in Louisiana.
I gave a good deal of thought as to what to upload here today, and then it became obvious to me what it should be.
This is who we are: this document, this part of another - these were, indeed, the Acts of Patriots.
God bless and guide us that we stand by, and live up to, our own guidelines - it is, indeed, our sacred duty.
On the Campaign Trail.
From CNN.com
Bush, Kerry praise troops on Fourth.
Family Ties in a Combat Zone.
From CNN.com Mom, daughter serve together in Iraq.
9/11 Commission.
From CNN.com 9/11 panel stands by finding on al Qaeda, Iraq.
USS Cole.
From CNN.com Six charged in USS Cole bombing.
From Swiss Info and Reuters Qaeda suspects on trial for USS Cole attack.
House and Patriot Act.
From CNN.com House refuses to curb Patriot Act.
Casualties Continue to Climb.
From CNN.com Coalition records its 1,000th death in Iraq.
The buck starts/stops where?.
From CNN.com Report blames 'group think' for CIA failures on Iraq.
Can We Face the Verities of War?.
From CNN.com Study: Americans object to graphic online war images.
Sharing: Our Readers Share With Us.
This request came from one of the mid-Atlantic states.
Stanley Popovich would like to share with you the work he has put into his book, A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stanley Popovich endured his share of fear and anxiety over the years. Unable to find the help he needed, the author decided to
undertake his own research. The result is A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods - an easy to
read book based on a combination of research and personal experience. For additional
information go to:
A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods.
FINDING THE ANSWERS IN MANAGING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES
© Stan Popovich – All Rights Reserved
Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it
difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I read some anxiety books and talked to various professionals, however I still
had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties. Eventually, I wrote a book that presents all of the ways to help manage those
hard to manage fears and anxieties and it is located at Managing Fear.
Let me explain the process of how I found those answers.
I first went to my local bookstore to find those books that dealt with fear and anxiety. I looked for those books that reviewed the techniques in how to manage certain fears and anxieties. As I read these books, I wrote down some notes on those techniques that I found most useful in managing my fears. I noticed that each book said always a complete review of all the techniques to manage fear and anxiety.
As a result, I started a notebook and every time I found a technique that was useful in managing my fears, I would write it down in my small notebook. Secondly, I talked to various professionals in the psychology and religious fields and they provided me with additional information. Again, I would write down the information that the professionals gave me that I felt was most useful in managing these fears. The professionals were very helpful, however there were times they were not able to answer all of my questions.
Although I had a lot of good information, I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties.
I realized that it would have to be up to me to find the solutions to some of my problems. The first thing I did was to review my notebook of
all the techniques that I learned from my research. I then started to practice using these techniques. I made it a point that every time
I would experience a fearful or anxiety related situation, I would use the information in my notebook to help me. After the anxiety
would go away I would write down in my notebook what techniques worked and which ones didn't work. In every anxiety related situation I experienced, I began to learn what worked, what didn't work, and what I needed to improve on in managing my fears and anxieties.
At the same time, I would continue to talk to various professionsals to learn to become better at managing the many types of fears and anxieties. I would review what I have learned with these professionals and they would provide me with additional information so that I would
time, I gained a lot of valuable information
on how to manage fear and anxiety. Eventually, I realized that my notes contained a lot of information and personal experiences that
could help a lot of other people deal with their fears. I eventually wrote a book that
focuses on result-oriented techniques in managing fear.
The main point of this article is that no matter how difficult it is to manage your fear and anxiety, the answers are out there if
you look hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to
find those techniques that work for you.
___
I have not yet read Mr. Popovich's book. If you find it helpful for you, please let him, and us, know.
Remy
Earthquake Rocks Tibet.
From CNN.com Powerful earthquake strikes Tibet.
For the History of Tibet BRIEF HISTORY OF TIBET.
For information on the current situation in Occupied Tibet How You Can Help Tibet.
Sharing: An Interesting View on the Relevance of the Bhagavad Gita on Our Lives .
This comes to us from India - from
M.P. Bhattathiry, Retired Chief Technical Examiner to the Government of Kerela, Radhanivas, Thaliyal, Karmana, Trivandrum, 695 002,
Kerela, India( may be published in your website.)
It is good for all of us to learn the ways and views of others. This is a fascinating view of management - personal and business - from the viewpoint of the Bhagavad Gita.
Thanks to M.P. Bhattathiry for sharing it with us. M.P. Bhattathiry.
Perhaps You Can Help With the Shipping Costs?.
From CNN.com and the Associated Press Books for Baghdad University pour in.
UK Intelligence on Iraq.
From CNN.com Iraq WMD claims 'seriously flawed'.
Bastille Day.
In France today is the celebration of Bastille Day - of the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
To learn more about Bastille Day:
Bastille Day.
From SF Gate British and French troops fete Bastille Day in Paris.
BASTILLE DAY/JULY 14, 2002: FRANCE WELCOMES WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY.
Happy Bastille Day!!
Recommended Movies:
Casablanca and if you have never seen it, DO SEE Is Paris Burning?
Vive la France!
From Veterans for Common Sense.org et.al..
Stress disorder in vets can be helped today John M. Rathbun, MD , Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
Senate joins 12,000 Americans in Affirming U.S. Commitment to International Law.
Comparing Intelligence Reporting.
From the Boston Globe and the AP Press Comparison of British and U.S. inquiries into intelligence on Iraq.
Individual Ready Reserve.
From CNN.com
If you have been called up for service and have a story to share, contact CNN.com
Individual Ready Reserve Recall.
9/11 Report Recommends....
From CNN.com and John King Source: 9/11 report to recommend new Cabinet post.
Veterans for Common Sense.org.
Veterans for Common Sense. is expanding and needs your input and support.
Need for Intelligence Chief?.
From USA Today and the AP Idea of new national intelligence chief dismissed by acting CIA chief.
League of Conservation Voters.
Frrom the Political Voice of the Environmental Movement League of Conservation Voters.
Diamond.
From CNN.com Miner digs up 182-carat gem -- and trouble.
Combat Stress.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org and CNN.com Combat stress: The war within.
Vet Friends.com.
Help a Veteran.
Do business with one!
Veterans Business Directory.
9/11 Report.
From CNN.com 911 panel report: 'Failure of imagination'.
9/11 Commission Report.
From Fox News.com 9/11 Commission Report.
You will need pdf for this.
Editorial: Freedom and Responsibility. Remy Benoit
There is that word here, a word that floats in on the air from Paris, a word that has floated across the vast Atlantic, come to the shores of France on the uniforms of men who fought for it a world away. A word that is anathema here in the walls of the palace. What is this Liberté? What does it mean?
Liberty to do what, to be what? The thought that comes to me, the thought that unsettles me is, what would I actually do, what would I actually become, if I had the choice, if I faced the necessity of survival to actually make the choice of something to be.
To be something. The words choke in my throat. To be, something.
That implies, does it not, a responsibility for myself, without dictates, without the protocols of the Court. To be something, to actually make a decision, a choice, a difference.
Do those who speak these words understand the immensity of what they seek?
Of the right to make dreadful choices and have not the rank of birth to blame, but only, Mon Dieu, the immensity of the idea, oneself.
Versailles, 1789 excerpt from Loving by Remy Benoit to be published this summer by Pharaoh Press, UK
This is an election year.
That means that you have a great responsibility.
When this country was established it was considered by many to have been founded upon a pipe dream. Self-governance could only lead to chaos, to disaster, to the crumbling of the structure of the new country.
We have proven that conception wrong.
We have survived a civil war, international wars, total wars.
We have paid dearly, oh so dearly, for the freedom we enjoy.
We have a huge debt to those who have given everything to defend it over the years.
Our debt includes:
The responsibility to vote. Take your calendar, circle November 2 and let nothing stand in the way of the exercise of your franchise.
The responsibility to be informed, well informed of who stands where on what issues.
The responsibility to act rather than re-act.
The responsibility to think in terms of future generations and their well-being rather than immediate gratification for oneself.
The responsibility to not give away any freedoms to “protect” freedom.
The responsibility, indeed, the Sacred Honor, to remember these words:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The responsibility, indeed, the Sacred Honor, to uphold these Rights:
Democratic National Convention.
A CNN Special Report "America Votes" Democratic National Convention.
From Fox News.com and Dana Blanton 07/22/04: Race Neck-and-Neck.
Democratic Convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP Protesters March on FleetCenter.
A Perspective from a Coalition Partner.
From the UK and the Guardian The Democratic convention Kerry's chance to shine.
Democratic National Convention.
From CNN.com Democrats open convention stressing unity.
Bill Clinton.
For text of Bill Clinton's speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention from Newsday.com Text of Bill Clinton's speech.
Thoughts on the Convention.
From CBS News.com and David Paul Kuhn Old Home Day For Bill Clinton.
Down History Lane: Thomas Jefferson.
As the two conventions move us through the summer, I thought it would be a good idea to look back at what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they did "ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." We will also look at other champions of the Republic.
Today we look at Thomas Jefferson.
He wrote his own epitaph; insisted that nothing else be added.
It reads:
History of Democratic Conventions.
From wnbc.com Past Democratic Conventions.
Teresa Heinz Kerry.
From USA Today and the AP Teresa Heinz Kerry's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Ted Kennedy.
From USA Today and the AP Sen. Edward Kennedy's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Barack Obama.
From USA Today and the AP Barack Obama's remarks at the Democratic convention.
Down History Lane.
President Woodrow Wilson went to Versailles with his famous 14 Points to try to incorporate them into the treaty that would end World War I.
Wilson's Fourteen Points.
The principles behind those points would ensure a respect for national sovereignty, freedom of the seas, equality of trade, self-determination of nations.
Those principles were for the most part tabled at Versailles and a punitive peace written. There are few of us who do not know the repercussions of that.
The Versailles Treaty
June 28, 1919.
First World War and Hitler.
World War II.
Biography: Woodrow Wilson.
One of the Points called for the formation of the League of Nations.
That organization was followed by the formation in 1945 of the United Nations.
Taking a walk down history lane helps to give us some perspective on where we were, and where we dream we can go. History is a living force in our lives when we take the time to understand it, to learn it; to use it to enhance our future.
Be an informed voter. Know where the threads that entangle us today were first woven.
Debate Over Minimum Wage.
Minimum Wage Debate and Poll.
Health Care for Veterans.
Tom Daschle: Supporting Our Troops TRICARE for Reservists.
National Association for Uniformed Services.
From Oregon.
Special Report: The Oregonian in Iraq.
If you know of something special like this in your state, do let me know!
The Century Foundation.
During an election year it is good to consider many different approaches to and perspectives on issues that are of deep concern to us.
Founded in 1919 The Century Foundation. has some ideas to share with you.
John Edwards.
Text of Sen. John Edwards' speech.
What is Your Image for a Better World?.
If you could perfect life on the planet, what would your plan be?
What vision do you have for the world?
The Blue Star Millennium and Quest for Genesis by David Gau-Ghan have been mentioned and reviewed here before. I thought it a good time to remind you of them in case you have missed them.
These books are great reading, high adventure, and will make you think about important things viewed from a perhaps different perspective than you are accustomed to.
I have read them. I have totally enjoyed them.
And thus, let me direct you to where you can begin an amazing journey!
You will find Free Chapters at
The Blue Star Millennim.
Quest for Genesis.
My review of The Blue Star is below. You will find my review of Quest for Genesis at: Quest for Genesis.
The Blue Star Millennium/Quest for Genesis by David Gau-Ghan
by Reviewed by Remy Benoit
David Gau-Ghan has presented us with a serious work; a work that is mind-stretching, soul touching, and possibility awakening. Yet he has not presented us with a sermon but with an exciting action adventure story for us, for our terrestrial home, and throughout our galaxy.
We know, we feel, instinctively when the paths we are following are the right ones, not only for us as individuals, but for our home planet.
Nevertheless, sometimes we need someone slightly removed from us: someone with a different perspective, a different vantage point to align us with our proper course.
Or, Someones?
How many times have we heard the question; have we asked the question:
ARE WE ALONE IN THE GALAXY?
Could there be others who have a vested interest in how we treat our planet; in how we treat each other?
Do forces for good or evil in our lives work only through us following our particular paths, or could there be other forces at work beside, around, us?
Are there Others interweaving with our lives; influencing our lives?
What would their intentions be?
Suppose, just suppose, these Others were far in advance of us; that they could tap into the Akashic records, those ephemeral store houses of all experiences, to see where we’ve been, predict where we are headed, and try to help us to our best course.
Just suppose there was a Blue Star Commander, an Astar star-ship Commander who went by the name of Zakeera. And that this Commander, desiring, learning to overcome his own imperfections on the way to White Star status, was willing to give up his own being to take on different human forms to complete his missions, his dedication, to helping us.
The adventures of Commander Zakeera in The Blue Star will open you to considering just a little bit closer, on each and every day, in each and every way, how you relate to others, and to the planet.
David Gau-Gahn’s work is very entertaining, but it is so much more than that. It is eye-opening, conscience tripping, right to the events being played out on the world stage today.
Do join him for the birth of a planet, the cataclysms of Atlantis and Lemuria; the terrible terrestrial ruptures from oil, war, and intemperance.
Take a ride in a Star Ship, slip on a comfy garment that will allow you to be physically at ease on a strange planet, and then, then come on home again, and maybe those left of us can get it right this time.
Were you looking for bad guys, Bad Others?
Look around.
They go by the name Darkets.
But remember, whatever happens, we are Co-Creators of all our experiences. Consider the impact of positive thought and action from humans, and company, on the environment. There is a reason to do that.
The alternative, the flip side of the coin, in untenable.
The Blue Star Millenium is 5 Star.
And, hey, any movie producers out there - these would be terrific for that!
Enjoy, be peace, and VOTE!
A Vision: A New Path for Education.
Does the idea of higher education for Social Justice and Democracy appeal to you?
Then you want to check this one out:
Southwestern University and Global College.
You will also want to read the May/June issue of HOPE Magazine to learn the vision of James Gittings that is coming to fruition there.
The Democratic Platform for America.
pdf -
Strong at Home, Respected in the World: The Democratic Platform for America.
Where would the jobs be in a green economy?.
Visit with The Apollo Alliance. and find out!
Interested in Energy Independence.?
Perspectives on Democracy.
Some ideas to think about.
World History of Democracy.
Democracy: Teach IT.
Reclaim Democracy.org.
The History Guide: Letters on Ancient and Medieval European History.
The basic principle behind democracy is citizen involvement! and VOTE!
Anthony Center for Women's Leadership: US Suffrage Movement Timeline.
WELCOME HOME.
Tonight I listened to Vietnam Veterans speaking.
Tonight I heard Vietnam Veterans being cheered.
Tonight I saw Vietnam Veterans being honored.
Welcome Home and God Bless you all.
John Kerry.
From the Rocky Mountain News.com Full text of John Kerry's speech.
Editorial: Support Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
Over the years many of you have told me that you don't know how to talk with Veterans; that you wish there was something that you could do for Veterans.
While it is true that many Veterans are reluctant to speak of what they have known, it wouldn't hurt to just say, Thank you for your service.
But there is something more that you can do for Veterans and that is to make your voice heard in support of the financial, mental, and physical care that they need.
Ask of the current candidates how they will help the Veterans. Demand that Veterans and those in active service get what they need.
Inquire of the Veterans Administration as to the condition of facilities, the availability of staff, the adequacy of supplies of the things those they serve need.
Write to your Senators and Representatives and demand that those who have served and are serving are getting the care and supplies they need.
Make local inquiries as to the needs of the families of those who are in active service now, of those whose lives have been interupted to serve. Find ways to help where help is needed.
Visit a Veterans hospital - send books, magazines; hold a hand, listen to a story they are willing to share.
Support groups like the Disabled American Veterans.
They were, they are, there for you.
Keep the unspoken Covenant - You are there for us; we will be there for you.
Census Data to Homeland Security.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, LYNETTE CLEMETSON and the New York Times Homeland Security Given Data on Arab-Americans.
President Bush.
From CNN.com and Dana Bash Bush back to campaigning in battleground states.
From Fox News Polls Fox News Polls.
So Diverse: Life Forms.
From NPR A Sea Worm's Surprising Living Arrangement
Novel Species Discovered on Floor of Monterey Bay.
Just a reminder that we are not the only ones on the planet and have a vast responsibility to life.
On the Employment Front.
From CNN.com Back to work for less
Survey: 57% who lost full-time jobs 2001-2003 and found full-time work again are earning less.
Evolution of Democracy.
We have heard the word "HOPE" a lot lately.
Hope is what keeps us striving, growing, sharing.
Donna Zajonc has written a new book called, The Politics of Hope.
Join her at The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy.
Expanding the Personal Frontier.
The word frontier means many things to each of us - historically in the States, it was the land between the Mississippi and the Rockies.
There is the Final Frontier of Captains Kirk and Picard.
But there is another frontier that is so very much bigger - that is the frontier of finding not only who we are, but who we can be.
May I suggest:
"Where then is the frontier between what I am and what I can become? Who knows whether tomorrow my reactions to some new event will not reveal an aspect of my person more important than any I have so far discovered? Is not what I shall be capable of tomorrow contained in what I am today?"
Paul Tournier, The Meaning of Persons, 1957
translated by Edwin Hudson
As it is true of us, it is also true of nations. We have only just begun to find out who we are and who we can be. We must choose wisely.
Internationally.
From the Voice of America and Lisa Schlein WTO Reaches Historic Deal to Open Global Free Trade Talks.
From Ireland on line UN resolution on Sudan welcomed by Concern.
From the Toronto Star, Daniel Williams, and Alan Cooperman Vatican criticizes 'lethal effects' of feminism.
Down History Lane: Warsaw.
Today marks the 60th Anniversary of the Uprising in Warsaw. This is not the same as the Uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto.
From Reuters AlertNet The Warsaw Uprising of 1944.
The Warsaw Uprising, August 1 - October 2, 1944.
Tadeusz Kondracki: Warsaw Uprising.
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Mila
18.
A Commentary on the Responsibility of the Press.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, The Globe and Mail.com and Lawrence Martin: Patriot game, media shame.
"One man, one vote".
The old adage still holds true - YOUR vote counts!
For it to count, you have to VOTE.
A recent poll from CNN.com Poll: No 'bounce' for Kerry so far
Bush and Democratic nominee still running neck and neck.
Are they truly virtually unnoticed.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org, The Washington Post and Richard Cohen somethings, some important things, to think about. Kerry's Battle Cry.
Down History Lane: Independent Media.
Pacifica Radio was founded in 1949 by a pacifist, Lew Hill. Lew Hill's Theory of Listener Sponsored Radio.
After his release from detention he put his plan into operation
It has expanded since then to stations across the country, to broadcast on NPR, and to the webpage Democracy Now.org.
It is part of our history.
The Bush Campaign Trail.
From Time.com How Bush Plans to Win.
From CNN.comBush wants national intelligence director.
From the New York Times,By ADAM NAGOURNEY
and RICHARD W. STEVENSON Bush Plans No Rest in Next Month; 2nd Term Agenda Near.
Just a Common Soldier.
So many you have been so deeply touched by this poem Just a Common Soldier. that I thought you would be interested in this announcement:
We’re pleased to announce the publication of a new collection of poems by A. Lawrence Vaincourt, entitled "JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A Soldier Died Today) and Other Poems."
Every year we are flooded with requests for reprints of his poems (particularly JUST A COMMON SOLDIER), so the time seemed right to build an entire collection around his most requested piece.
Published by True Enough Books, this volume is
currently available for purchase on-line. The book features over 50 original poems, heartwarming, hilarious and always touching, from the pen of A. Lawrence Vaincourt.
Destined to become a classic, JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A Soldier Died Today) makes a wonderful gift. It features poems about the military, farm life, nature, families and the general humor of everyday living.
Beautifully printed and bound, the collection is only $13.95 (U.S. – for other countries the price may differ due to currency exchange.)
You can order the book directly from our printer at: Just a Common Soldier.
Visit with the author at Just a Common Soldier.
And please, do pass this information along.
Putting Things Into Perspective.
We are caretakers of a tiny blue planet; only part of a vast universe perhaps well beyond our imaginations.
For the latest images from Cassini-Huygens Saturn in Full View.
There are many images at the site...click!
And about this tiny blue planet of ours: Gaia Theory: Science of the Living Earth
David Orrell.
Perhaps we need to learn to better share our milk and cookies.
What Are Others Doing to Become Actively Involved?.
From a variety of perspectives:
MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country
How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change.
About the Centre for Research on Globalization.
Center For Public Integrity.
Newseum: The Interactive Museum of News.
Project for the New American Century.
Sudan.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer, the AP, and IBRAHIM ALI SULEIMAN.Sudanese protest U.N. deadline for Darfur.
Casualties.
It is not over in Iraq. Coalition forces, Iraqi civilians are still dying each and every day. Keep that in mind. Just because we don't see them coming home in flag draped caskets, they are still dying, still suffering serious and life changing wounds.
From CNN.com U.S., Iraqi forces battle cleric's militia in Najaf.
From Military.com Honor the Fallen.
Job Revival in Britain.
From CNN.com Help wanted: Court jester.
On the Campaign Trail.
From CNN.com Anti-Kerry veterans group releases critical ad.
From Fox News.com and the AP Kerry on Whistle-Stop Tour.
From Fox News and the AP Bush Appeals to Texas Catholics for Support.
Down History Lane: Atomic Bomb Decision.
Atomic Bomb: Decision.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 by Brian Altobello. Reviewed by Remy Benoit
The history of the Crescent City is rich, complex, and multi-layered.
New Orleans lies below sea level.
That simple statement is indicative of the strength and determination of its inhabitants who have survived plague, fire, flooding, hurricanes, the War Between the States, Occupation, and a world at war, twice.
Her culture is varied; her history is part of the everyday life of a rich blend of people working together to stay above the water line, to enjoy and protect their way of life.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is a classic compilation of one of the oldest traditions of the human existence. That tradition is of the transmission of oral history.
Major Altobello (U.S. Army Reserve) provides an introduction that explains how New Orleans made it through conscription of its men, volunteering of its citizens, rationing of its food and commodities, and the protection of the gateway of the Mississippi to the heartland of the United States.
When the everyday things of life as you know them become fiercely limited, it is the mark of the strength and character of the people how they adjust to that, and then contribute more.
New Orleanians sponsored a “Christmas in July” in which the presents were war bonds.
The first black drill out came on Friday March 6, 1942 at 9 PM.
The four shipyards, including the now famous Higgins plant, converted to war material.
Mardi Gras was cancelled for the duration.
The list goes on, and Major Altobello provides insights into the heart of the city and its population.
Yet New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is more than a salute to the inhabitants of the city because of his skill as an interviewer and compiler of the oral history of those sent far from the warm scented streets, from pecan pie, and gumbo to fight in freezing lines in Europe and in the heat of the South Pacific.
Each interview is rich in remembrance and in honesty of what was felt and witnessed; in where it hurt; and in where it exemplified the best and worst of man in the worst of conditions.
The interviews are honest in what is still felt by those who served.
How did a weather man use a typhoon to the Air Force’s advantage? The answer is in this book.
How did displaced Europeans come to New Orleans in the aftermath of war to find a new and better way of life? The answer to that for that generation is in New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 too. That tradition is still strong in Louisiana today, just as it was in the past for the Acadians.
As you read this book, you come to know the people in it. You come to see their honor; you come to see their fears, their outrage at the concentration camps. You also come to see their sheer determination to go on with life.
New Orleans Goes to War, 1941-1945 is one of the best anthologies of preserved oral history. It should be in every New Orleans classroom, in every school in the state and I can say as a history teacher, as someone who came to Louisiana by choice, in every secondary classroom in the nation.
We have so much to learn from those who came before. Major Altobello’s work is an excellent place to hear their voices.
Thank you for this work of such devotion to history. The music of these voices, like the music that is the life breath of the city, will play on to enrich our lives.
And to those whose stories are included here, to all of you who have served, or are serving, Thank you for your service.
International Election Monitors.
From CNN.com International team to monitor presidential election.
Front Porch Correspondence:. Remy Benoit
The Time to Take Inventory is Before the Need is Felt
I grew up in Philadelphia. When William Penn laid out the plan of the city it was on a very neat grid, but the city has a warren of narrow alleyways. The reason for this is simple - cottage industry grew out of the backs of houses.
Cottage industry was in large part replaced during the Industrial Revolution that changed the face not only of this nation, but of the world. Yes, the factory system had many, many abuses: terrible working conditions; no compensation for injuries; sweated labor; child labor; belching smoke, etc. Gradually, legislation was passed, unions were formed, trusts were busted and the worst of the abuses became history. We are still working on the rest here. In other parts of the world, they have only just begun.
There is a commonality between cottage industry and factory work despite the fact that one calls for skilled labor and the other, after Mr. Ford instituted the assembly line, mass production. They produce commodities.
Yet even mass production at the bottom line called for skills.
Someone has to make the parts.
Someone has to make the machines.
Someone has to design them.
Just as an experiment ask your children if they know what these terms mean: machinist; machine design; tool and die maker; machine shop.
The bottom line is that Americans made things.
Here.
At home.
On April 16, 1942 Adolph Hitler called a meeting at Wolfsschanze (Wolf’s Lair) near Rastenburg. The Führer had one great fear of the United States; he feared its tremendous industrial potential. He was not wrong to fear that. He was so afraid that he launched Operation Pastorius to sabotage our industry. You will find a full account of that in Michael Dobbs, Saboteurs: The Nazi Raid on America.
The US made things - lots and lots of things that in the end brought the jackboots to heel. Perhaps we need to think about self-sabotage; and where the bottom line rests today. We need, once again, always, to function as One Nation, pulling together.
When I lived up north autumn was not only a time to enjoy the fantastic display of nature’s gowns, it was also the time to clean, ready the house for closing up for the winter. It was time for filling the pantry for when storms came, when silent falling snow piled deep, and icy roads settled in.
Yes, we are totally interdependent in today’s world. I produce words, books, websites. The sheriff here provides protection; the feed store keeps the local animals happy but none of those people see that there is water in my house for when the power goes down. I do that.
Too many things have become, or are becoming "forgotten arts." Too much perhaps is dependent on outsourcing.
We have skills .
We have minds.
We have stockpiles.
We have resources.
We have many people who would still be only to happy to be "Dollar a Year Men."
Dollar a Year Men.
But we need the skills to do things passed on. Our seniors are left alone all too often when they could be passing skills on. Our schools are in real trouble, need to re-structure and with responsibility could include teaching self-sufficiency which is much more reliable than a microchip. We need to remember that each generation builds on the previous; it is irrational to throw away all that was gained. For a good study of these Connections, see James Burke.
K-Web.
Doyle once had Sherlock Holmes say that "electricity is the high priest of false security."
How do we define false security?
It is something to think about.
Taking inventory, recognizing strong points, acknowledging what needs work is not paranoid.
It is responsible.
Taking inventory does not mean we should not be part of a global movement toward understanding, cooperation, and compassion. War, after all, is a start from a point of failure. We need to take inventory there too and look at all the things we put into motion with that. Today we have thousands of reasons to look at it carefully.
We are a country that treasures trial by jury; no conviction where there is any reasonable doubt. That same precaution must be applied to our international relations.
If we are to remain strong, if we are to be able to care for ourselves and others in times of extremities, then we need to know how to make machines, inventory our supplies open cans without electric can openers, grow and preserve food, supply those who protect us, and to protect ourselves and our allies. We need to act in concert with those who share our world views; we need to learn to communicate with those who come from different perspectives.
We need to take inventory and ask where the true bottom line should be - we don’t want our trust to be busted.
Or our freedom.
Or our ability to protect it.
To paraphrase FDR, we have nothing to fear but complacency.
Vigilance.
Eternal Vigilance.
On all fronts.
A Passing.
Many of us grew up with King Kong and Fay Wray.
The 96 year old actress passed on today and the lights on the Empire State Building were dimmed in her honor.
From 1010 Wins.com Empire State Building Dims For Fay Wray.
Thought for the Day.
From Mohatma Gandhi:
We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
___
Do keep in mind that your thoughts, your actions, your words, your smile or lack of one, influence the whole planet. What do you want your impact on it to be?
As always, it is a matter of choices.
Candidate Positions on Veterans Issues.
From the Disabled American Veterans: Presidential Candidates Positions.
Values Count.
From Time.com and Perry Bacon Jr. Bush v. Kerry on Values
Both candidates talk about them. But what do they mean?.
"Conscious Evolution".
How many times has it been said here: Life, personal and collective, is in the choices we make, hour by hour, day by day.
We are besieged constantly with negative news to the point where we can come to question - Is there any hope?
Well, yes, there is. There are the Cultural Creatives and they have a different view. There are 44 million of them and their numbers are growing.
For an interview by Dennis Hughes, Share Guide Publisher, with Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Find out what Conscious Evolution is all about. There is hope in it.
School Bells Ring.
But to perhaps a different tune.
Check out the CNN.com special at Back to School: America's Changing Classrooms.
Some Things to Consider.
Center for a New American Dream.
Heifer Project International.
Fair Economy.
Down History Lane.
Whatever your feelings about it, it is part of our history!
From CNN.com and Jenna Milly Woodstock.
Fourth Estate.
From The Guardian Unlimited and Jürgen Krönig, the UK editor of Die Zeit A crisis in the fourth estate.
Vietnamese Sue Over Agent Orange.
From CNN.com and David da Sola Vietnamese sue over Agent Orange.
Finding a Life.
When we are young, we tend to be pointed into traditional careers. Yet the world is ever changing, and sometimes we can find our life's work in a place that would seem to be unexpected. Ah, there we are; back to choices, again.
From Voice of America and Ann Mayer Arts & Culture
Musician's Work Reflects Alaskan Landscape.
Atlantis? Found? in Ireland?.
From The Guardian Unlimited and Angelique Chrisafis, Ireland correspondent: Ireland named as latest Atlantis.
Healing.
Quest for Global Healing Conference for the 21st Century.
Ken Wilbur Online.
If these Ideas appeal to you, check out Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Veteran Health Care.
From Veterans Groups: This We Believe.
This is a pdf file.
Home Schooling.
If you are thinking about home schooling, you will find this article interesting. Home schooling is a wonderful undertaking. I know, I did it.
From CNN.com Put your feet up, it's time for school.
Rep. Doug Bereuter.
From CNN.com a retiring GOP Congressman speaks his mind in response to constituent questions: Retiring GOP congressman breaks ranks on Iraq.
Questions to Ponder.
From Common Dreams.org:
Published on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Kerry Deals Away his Ace in the Hole
by Helen Thomas.
Published on Thursday, August 19, 2004 by the Capital Times / Madison, Wisconsin
Ask Bush Supporters These Basic Questions
by Mary Louise Symon.
Taking Care of Our Troops.
From Veterans for Common Sense.org Issue: Taking Care of the Troops.
The Days, Weeks, Months After Charley.
Hurricane Charley brought havoc to many lives.
It is not all over the morning after, nor the day after that, or after that. Maybe 3 months after that things can start being rebuilt - when insurance checks start coming in.
From Fox News.com and the AP Insurance Claims Moving Quickly in Florida.
Stress and Fatherhood.
From Time.com and MICHELE ORECKLIN Stress And The Superdad.
Campaign Trail.
From the Houston Chronicle Around The Campaigns.
and from the New York Times and Rachel L. Swarns Senator grounded for being a Kennedy.
Sunday Around the Planet.
From the Washington Post and Mark Kaufman FDA Alters Tack On Children and Antidepressants By Marc Kaufman.
From CNN.com
'The Scream' stolen from museum.
Cats like rodents, not Rodin at museum.
From the People's Daily Online Gathering marking birth centenary of Deng Xiaoping held in Beijing.
From Fox News.com
Saudi Arabia Launches $1M Ad Campaign.
Audit Shows $8.8B Missing in Iraq.
Campaign Trail.
This is an election year.
I suppose that you have noticed that.
There are MAJOR ISSUES with which we need to be concerned.
Those include:
The fact that we are a nation at war;
The fact that we have active combat troops in place who need our support;
The fact that we need to protect our Homeland and its basis, OUR CONSTITUTION;
The fact that the economy needs serious work;
The fact that we are gathering in a huge national debt.
The fact that our children are being left behind;
The fact that health care costs are out of control;
The fact that we continually challenge by limited thinking the welfare of our ecological unit - the planet we live on;
The fact that our Vietnam Vets have yet to be graciously welcomed home;
The fact that our Veterans as a whole are not getting the health care, nor the respect, they are
due;
The news is full of election mud being slung about.
As citizens of this country we have the right to demand LET'S STICK TO THE ISSUES.
Let's be told where you really stand on each of the above issues and a whole lot more. And back it up with performance records.
Let's clean up the election campaigning and get down to what this is really all about and that is the future of this country.
Let's say to the media - Give us what is important, not what would get you a missed recess in elementary school for poor citizenship practices and mud slinging back and forth.
Before you vote, ask yourself what your vote on election day will mean to your grandchildren and the world you will leave them.
That is maturity, that is compassion, and that is what it is really all about - not mudpies.
A Passing.
From CNN.com World War II 'code talker' dies.
For more about the Code Talkers.
Coming Home Quietly.
We cannot forget that we have troops in combat zones.
Many are not coming home to ticker tapes.
They come home with the ultimate silence.
They come home with soul wrenching pain.
From Newsday.com and Hugo Kugiya
More than just 'a container for the remains'.
Jimmy Breslin has never been one to mince words. He doesn't here either; he does bring home to your door the pain that is coming to others. Whatever your position is on this war, we have to remember the verities of war - war is a hungry thing. There are Coalition Casualties; there are Iraqi Casualties. There are Casualties in Afghanistan. What other casualties may come, we have yet to know.
From Common Dreams.org, Newsday.com and Jimmy Breslin What We've Really Lost in this Indefensible War by Jimmy Breslin.
Clicking Clock in NYC.
From CNN.com Billboard clocks Iraq war's cost.
From the AP, Geroge Gedda and the Seattle Post Intelligencer Bush's father foresaw costs of Iraq war.
From CNN.com Specials Forces: US and Coalition Casualties.
From Scotsman.com News PM has a case to answer.
There are many sides to every question and eventually answers are found. Let us not forget as we send the children back to school, off to college, that our troops are engaged in combat. As we set up the barbecues for Labor Day Weekend, let us remember that to answer questions, we must find the right questions to ask. That is the responsibility of citizenry.
What are the issues that you hold dear? Are you getting answers to your questions? That is the function of this pre-election time. Ask the questions.
Operation Truth.
From MSNBC.com and Jennifer Barrett Ozols of
Newsweek ‘We Were There’.
Operation Truth.
Census: Poverty Numbers UP.
From CNN.com Census: More Americans living in poverty.
Campaign 2004.
From Time.com and Mitch Frank Battleground States.
Protestors Greet RNC.
From CNN.com
RNC protesters throng Manhattan streets.
Tens of thousands protest GOP convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Anti-Bush Protesters Swarm NYC.
Brooklyn Parents for Peace.
GOP Convention.
From CNN.com Republican National Convention.
Poor People's Economic Campaign.
March for Our Rights.
Living the Questions.
I came across a magazine article by Raphael Chusnir called "Two Questions That Could Change Your Life" in a November 2002 edition of Oprah.
What was said in the article made a great deal of sense to me as it is a technique that I have come to use over the years. It works.
We tend to not want to stay with our pain, our problems, our fears, our concerns; we do anything and everything to get away from them.
We hold on to them.
We build up resistance to facing them.
We feed them with worry, angst, indecision, anger, resentment, etc.
Visit this website Living the Questions.
You may find some answers there. If the answers seem too much to handle alone, do get professional help.
It can change your life.
Blessings,
Remy
Questions Raised in an Editorial.
Some things to think about from Joe Klein and Time.com What the Swifties Cost Us
Campaign 2004 gets mired in the Mekong Delta
By JOE KLEIN.
David Hackworth.
This link was sent to me by a young man in service.
I thought it would be of interest to you.
From Military.com Hackworth: Once More a Nation Divided.
American Friends Service Committee.
See where the American Friends Service Committee stands on issues and you can also register here on line to VOTE American Friends Service Committee.
Also in the news, the term 527 has been used lately
From Public Integrity. an explanation of the term at 527.
That is a pdf file.
Literary Agent.
I am looking for a serious Literary Agent to handle my historical fiction, poetry, and screenplays.
My newest novel, Loving, is to be published shortly by Pharaoh Press, UK
You will find summaries of, and excerpts from, my other three novels at:
Letty -
Letty.
Island QuiltsIsland Quilts.
Peace, Now - Peace, Now.
You will find my story, ANNIEin the Southern Independent Booksellers Book of the Year,French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia.
You may read reviews of my work at:
Reviews.
I look forward to hearing from serious inquiries. Just click on "Feedback" and leave your message and e-mail address.
>
Thanks so much,
Remy
We Share Your Grief.
From CNN.com Vietnam vet buries son killed in Iraq.
RNC.
While the First Lady Laura Bush urges nation to trust president. and Arnold Schwarzenegger's star power dazzles delegates
California governor recalls immigrant roots
By Sean Loughlin CNN Washington Bureau. spoke to Convention delegates and the rest of the country,
Police arrest 1,100 people in protests Suspect taken into custody in beating of detective From Jonathan Wald and Laura Dolan CNN.
Kerry Speaks to American Legion Convention.
From Fox News.com and the AP Kerry Addresses American Legion.
Cheney.
From Fox News.com Transcript: Dick Cheney.
Frances.
From the AP and Time Reynolds in Port St. Lucie, the home of a dear friend of mine,
More Than Million Told to Flee Hurricane.
There is power in prayers - please send them to help. This storm is much bigger than Charlie was.
A New Face to Protesting.
From CNN.com The latest protest tool: 'texting'.
Bush's Acceptance Speech at RNC.
President Bush.
Clear Your Desks: Pop Quiz.
Okay, did that title bring back memories? Make you nervous? It is interesting to consider all the stuff we still carry around with us.
But this is a different kind of pop quiz than the ones that used to set the tummy a churning.
The Conventions are over. There are several weeks to go of all the words coming at you. So how do you decide if you haven't decided yet whose button you will push on Election Day?
Perhaps broadening your perspective will help. So let's push a few of our own buttons.
Remember the old phrase ' to walk a mile in someone else's shoes?'
Try these on for size, fit, comfort, or discomfort.
How would you be voting if you were one of the following:
A single mom working one or two minimum wage jobs, juggling child care, shopping, etc.;
A Texas oil man;
A factory worker whose factory had closed down and moved to, well, maybe Brazil;
A public high school teacher;
An executive retiring with a $25 million dollar Golden Parachute;
A young person who would like to travel the world, doing the back packing thing so many of our generation did, but afraid to because of the terrorist threat;
A young person deciding on whether to join the military;
A woman of a "certain age" looking to re-join the work force;
A man in his late fifties wanting to change jobs, careers, life style;
An urban dweller with all the problems concomitant with city life;
A senior citizen in a nursing home, or at home deciding on the cost of meds or food;
A recent college grad looking for a first time position;
A Cultural Creative looking to change the world to a more peaceful place.
We could go on all day with list making. But "Your assignment, Mr. Phelps" is to find at least one newspaper, online, or magazine article from the perspective of each of those groups. Walk a mind mile in their shoes and that should broaden your perspective.
Ask yourself too that if you have been sitting with Franklin and the others writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution which platform, which candidate most nearly upholds the promise so dear in them. Their dream, our heritage, is not an impossible mission.
And while you are considering these questions, perhaps you might want to think about clicking at this site everyday...it only takes a few seconds, but it is lifesaving, because yes, Virginia, there are people starving, not only "out there" but here in the States too. Hunger Site.
To those of you threatened by Frances, who may not have power for a few days, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
VOTE - it is not only your right, it is your responsibility.
Issues - Can We Get to the Issues?. Remy Benoit
The Framers of this country were not in favor of political parties. They feared that these would be divisive, more interested in regional/personal agendas than in the welfare of the new nation.
The press is one of the guardians of democracy. It is the responsibility of the press, as well as of the citizenry, to ask hard questions; to demand clarification, specification from all the glittering generalities being tossed about.
It is the responsibility of those elected to office, of those seeking office, to answer those questions in detail.
Members of Congress, occupants of the Oval Office, are representatives of the People and thus answerable to them. When a newsman asks a question and the response is rudeness and a wish that he could still be challenged to a duel, our thinking has gone somewhere off line.
Think about where you work, think about the word accountability. That holds true for each and everyone of us, including those elected to office, seeking ofice, supposedly gracing that office with diligence, integrity, compassion, and responsibility.
It is up to the citizenry to demand clarification, to ask for answers - show us what you mean; specify what your plans/intentions are; show us your record.
Divisiveness will not heal our Vietnam Era Veterans; it will not help cure those with Desert Storm Syndrome; it will not protect those in active combat. Nor will divisiveness help the aged, the infirm, those struggling on an unliveable minimum wage. It will not educate our children, update antiquated curricula, nor develop a more acceptable, more available, form of fuel.
We are "One nation." Let us not forget that.
Let us ask those who seek office quite specifically how they intend to be caregivers to that One Nation, and to the rest of the Planet of which it is a part. Throwing spitballs, chucking long term alliances, proliferating nuclear weapons, are divisive.
News stations like to make money. If their ratings go down because we hold out watching until real questions are asked, and real answers given perhaps they will catch on that we are serious about this One Nation of ours as well as this one Planet.
I commend Senator McCain for his comment that it is up to the people of this country to demand that this campaign be brought back to issues.
So, anyone know exactly what is happening in Afghanistan; in Iraq; on the budget; on elder care; in the schools; on the streets; in the environment?
An informed public is the life blood of democracy. Let's clean up our national arteries and get down to the real business at hand without name calling, without mudslinging, but with grace, with commitment, with the welfare of this One Nation and the planet as the primary issues that demand answers.
Pulling Together.
Charlie is still recent history and people in Florida are still feeling its effects.
Frances is a monster storm, the size of Texas, moving slowly and likely to dump up to 20 inches more rain on an already saturated state. Its exact course is still not know, may even go over the Gulf for a while, and maybe even here we will be feeling some of its impact.
Ivan is already forming out in the Atlantic and expected to gain hurricane strength.
The Red Cross needs donations - money and blood. There are other ways you can help too.
Go to
Red Cross Donations.
or 1-800-435-7669
We need to pull together on this. Disaster strikes wherever and whenever it chooses. Another instance of walking in someone else's shoes.
Labor Day.
This has been a very difficult Labor Day weekend for those in Florida as Frances keep pounding away. Ivan is coming close behind, at this moment sustained winds of 125mph and moving northwest. Keep a close eye on this one to see where it is going.
For those of you away from home, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
For those of you working this weekend, if it makes you feel any better, I spent the day fixing the tractor. But I emerged victorious and cheered when I heard the engine kick over.
Be good to each other - kindness and compassion above all.
Have a good Labor Day and remember no matter what is happening there is something to be thankful for.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
7 Marines Die in Fallujah.
While the campaigning goes on, so does the war. Today there were more fatalities and casualties in Fallujah.
To those in active combat, to their families, this is the primary campaign issue - this is a life and death issue, just as it is to the Iraqi people.
Let us not forget the troops in Afghanistan, as well as other places around the globe.
Campaigning across the country gives the candidates opportunity to bring specifics to the people regarding the resolution of the issues in these conflict areas.
Those 7 Marines; those almost 1000 other deaths; those almost 7,000 wounded; those unreported Iraqi wounded and dead; all of them demand answers.
US and Coalition Casualties.
Major Archaeological Find.
Sometimes history helps us put things into perspective. That is helpful when there is tragedy all around us; when hurricanes blow, and troops die in combat. It doesn't make it easier, it doesn't make it less painful, but sometimes it helps to know that others have walked this path before us.
From Fox News.com and the AP
Viking Burial Site Found in England.
Heavy Fighting Kills Dozens in Baghdad.
Russians Protest Against Terrorism.
From CNN.com
Flooding, long lines in Frances' wake.
From Weather Underground, the lastest computer models of Ivan Computer Model Hurricane Forecasts.
US Death Toll in Iraq Passes One Thousand.
From CNN.com
U.S. death toll in Iraq passes 1,000.
Parent to Parent - College Drinking.
I came across this article and thought I should pass it along to those of you with kids in college. Perhaps your kids would not do this, but others around them might, and you should perhaps advise yours on how to handle the situation.
From CNN.com and Reuters Study: College binge drinking worse than feared.
Ivan the Terrible.
It has been 40 years since Florida suffered three hurricanes in one season.
Evacuation has been ordered for the Keys with the prospect of this Class 5 hurricane has a probability of blasting into the already too much strained state.
From CNN.com Tourists, residents told to vacate Keys.
Remember the Red Cross. needs your help with money, frequent flyer miles, etc.
"Of a Certain Age".
From Michele M. Melendez and New House News Women of a Certain Age and Power Join Forces to Create GrannyVoter.
Granny Voter.
Ever Ask Yourself What You Really Want Your Life to Be?.
From CNN.com and Career Builder.com Discover your true calling.
For those of you in the path of Ivan, our prayers are with you.
Latest Track of Ivan.
From Weather Underground Computer Models Ivan.
Culture vs Capital.
From CNN.com Fight over Wal-Mart at Mexico ruins.
Teotihuacan: The City of the Gods.
Red Cross Low on Funds for Relief.
From CNN.com Red Cross low on funds for disaster relief.
World War II Memories Project.
We Arrive in Liverpool by Stan Scislowski.
John Kerry.
From Time Magazine.com and Karen Tumulty "I've Been in Worse Situations".
"Bayou Buzz" on the 2004 Campaign.
From Jeff Crouere and Bayou Buzz.com Bush, Kerry Stuck In Vietnam Mud.
Seeds of Peace.
Can one person make a big difference?
John Wallach did. Find out about Seeds of Peace.
A View from the Front Porch: Stormy Weather. Remy Benoit
The live oak you are looking at is in my front yard. It is just beginning a slow dance with the winds that are coming from Ivan.
Storms excite us; they terrify us.
The pictures I saw of the Gulf today fall into the latter category.
It is not definite yet where Ivan will make landfall; but make landfall he will. Keep in mind that whatever Ivan brings in destruction, "he" will never be aware that he was, nor of what he did. We are both aware that we are, and should be aware of the consequences of our actions. Just something to think about during stormy weather.
Today as we wait to learn exactly where Ivan will go, memories come back to me of a Nor'Easter of several years ago when I walked the island in water up to my waist watching the division of land and water disappear. Join me for a selection from Island Quilts in which I expressed what I felt during that walk.
Military Order of the Purple Heart. Remy Benoit
This came to me from the Big Apple and a Vietnam Veteran, Abelardo Martinez.
Al has asked me to pass it on to you and to request your help. If you can only send one dollar, send that, but please do help. Would you also put his name on the memo section of your check to help with record keeping.
Thank you so much, Remy
Carlin Romano review of Islam and the Challenge of Democracy. Remy Benoit
From the Philadelphia Inquirer What Islam Says of Democracy.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
Good morning,
At the moment, we are tying down, waiting to see what Katrina will do. After that is tended to, I will update the site as soon as possible.
If Katrina takes the path forecasted, I may not have power for a few days.
In the meantime, please hold us all in your prayers.
Blessings,
Remy.
Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post and Veterans for Common Sense Back From Iraq.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Nagin, Landrieu face off, but will the winner really win?.
Katrina came through on August 29, 2005. It is May 20, 2006, and I have to ask why a major American port city is still in the condition it is?
Perhaps a good part of the reason is four level contracts with big bucks at the top while the local is left picking up the debris.
From the AP and Military.com Guard Stint to Last 2 Years.
From John Psaropoulos, Athens News, and Truthout The Insidious Bias of the Press.
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi parliament OK's Cabinet on 'historic day' 3 bombings kill 27 as new PM's national unity government is sworn in.
Rare Civil War History. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Congressional library offers rare look at Civil War.
It's Nagin. Remy Benoit
From Nola.com, The Times Picayune, Gordon Russell, Frank Donze,and Michelle Krupa IT'S NAGIN 'It's time for us to be one New Orleans'.
Perhaps the Mayor's office should have a duplicate set of keys for the city's school buses for evacuation purposes?From Time and Cathy Booth Thomas/NEW ORLEANS Is New Orleans Ready for Hurricane Season?.
From MSNBC, Rising from the Ruins, Bob Sullivan Not Just Any Graduation.
Perhaps now that the election in New Orleans is over, the press can get to some heavy investigative reporting as to conditions from Lakeview, through all the neighborhoods down through Chalmette and ask why things are still in the state they are.
Perhaps questions can be asked about insurance problems here; who is paying up; who isn't, and why whole areas, whole parishes, are having problems getting coverage.
Not only would deep investigative reportage help the Gulf Coast, it would help any other area in advance of catastrophe to know where problems might arise.
And do take Dr.Dwayne Thomas's, CEO of Charity Hospital, caution as true - BE prepared to take care of yourself.
Perhaps for crisis situations we need a new Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps. and a new Works Progress Administration.
For those of you who are unaware, there are still blue roofs in Florida too. New England has been warned about the possibility of a serious hurricane.
BE prepared - starting now. And, please, do share your thoughts, your experiences, with catastrophic weather to help others.
Election 2006. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Jim VandeHei, and MSNBC Midterm elections crux of GOP strategy.
And, if you missed Baghdad ER. it will be shown again on Memorial Day. Blessings to the Medical Teams.
Carolyn Myss: A Way to Start Your Day. Remy Benoit
Carolyn is a medical intuitive.
If you are feeling the need for a better way to start the day, try this. Your Daily Practice.
Gonzales and the Press. Remy Benoit
From CBS U.S. Attorney General Warns Reporters.
From NPR and Alex Markels Timeline: Wiretaps' Use and Abuse.
Energy and Our Future. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and K.C. Golden Energy Futures.
From Reuters, Pat Jackson, and Yahoo news Clinton says must "get off our butts" to stop warming.
From Real Climate and Eric Steig Al Gore: An Inconvenient Truth.
National Hurricane Forecast. Remy Benoit
From CNN NOAA: North Atlantic could see 10 hurricanes this season.
An Alert from Dept of Veterans Affairs. Remy Benoit
Be aware, this contains Social Security Numbers, birthdates, etc. for 26.5 million Vets, some spouses, etc.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Insurgents hamper U.S., Iraqi forces in Ramadi.
In the News for Tuesday. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Craig Whitlock, and MSNBC The architect of the new war on the West.
From the AP and MSNBC Simple hurricane evacuation plan: Get out early.
From Bill Moyers and Common Dreams Pass the Bread.
VA Silent for 19 Days About Theft. Remy Benoit
From CNN Source: Theft of vets' data kept secret for 19 days.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From Inter Press Service, Jim Lobe, and Truthout Iran Target of Apparent Disinformation Ploy.
Stanley Popovich. Remy Benoit
We live in a time of high stress, tension, and fears generated by many high level actions taken or not taken.
Here hurricane season opens in a few days.
A friend out Tucson way was telling me about more fires burning.
Gas prices, thus all prices, are high.
Many things often seem so overwhelming, frightening.
Stanley Popovich has sent along this article to help you manage some of the fear, the stress, the depression.
Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.
When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.
Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: Managing Fear.
Thank you, Mr. Popovich
Iran Asks for Direct Negotiations with U.S.. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karl Vick and Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC Iran presses for direct talks with U.S. on nukes.
Lou Dobbs. Remy Benoit
Dobbs: Bush, Congress tell working folk to go to hell.
Accountability. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com VA Chief Vows Accountability.
From CNN PM: Iraqi troops battle ready in 2007.
From Climate Crisis An Inconvenient Truth.
Enron Verdict: Guilty. Remy Benoit
From CNN Money Skilling and Lay guilty Ex-CEO and founder convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges in Enron case.
An Opinion Piece. Remy Benoit
This is a very strong opinion piece by William Rivers Pitt with a lot of room for your opinions pro and con on what he is saying.
The basis of democracy is freedom of speech, open debate.
What are your comments on this piece from Truthout Playing the Impeachment Card.?
General Michael Hagee. Remy Benoit
From CNN Civilian deaths send top Marine to Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Top Marine to Visit Iraq.
Regrets. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Bush, Blair Admit Iraq Mistakes.
From The Guardian, UK
Blair and Bush - an extract.
Desert - Tropics Expand. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Andrew Bridges, and USA Today Report: Jet stream shift is expanding the Earth's tropics and deserts.
I don't know what it is like where you are, but we are headed for 90 today, the drought continues.
We need to take better care of our planet if we wish it to support us. That is "An Inconvenient Truth."
From the gist, Chip Giller and Katharine Wroth The Changing Climate.
Hayden Confirmed. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate confirms Hayden as CIA chief.
"Over our dead bodies". Remy Benoit
From CNN and John King Political dispute over FBI raid nears showdown
Sources: Justice officials threaten to resign over House office raid.
Bush at West Point. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Bush to Army cadets: The war will end on your watch.
A Family Mourns. Remy Benoit
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Veterans for Common Sense A last son lost in Iraq.
Our hearts, our prayers, are with all families who are grieving this Memorial Day.
Fraud?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Mark Hosenball, Jamie Reno and Evan Thomas, and MSNBC Man in the Middle.
"Separating the war from the warriors". Remy Benoit
From CNN and Maj. Gen. Don Shepperd, USAF (Ret.) Separating the war from the warriors.
Please, let us not make the same mistakes we did with our soldiers coming home from Vietnam. Many of them are still carrying the pain of how they were treated back then.
For one medic's story of his experience, and his not so welcome home, join my dear friend, Harry Kieninger When Can We Come Home? Understanding the Viet Nam Veteran.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC U.S. urges financial sanctions on Iran.
FEMA Report Card. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Kari Huus Here come the storms as FEMA rushes reforms.
Kick the Oil Habit. Remy Benoit
Here is your chance to let the oil companies know what you want!
Kabul. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S.: Troops fired in self defense in Afghan riot.
Cleaning up on, in more ways than one, the Gulf Coast. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Martin Walk Contractors rake it in as they clean it up Critics say FEMA overpays, fails to supervise disaster recovery firms.
Military Online Stress Screening. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Military Starts Online Stress Screening.
Hurricane Season is Here. Remy Benoit
Hurricane season opens June 1.
Is your area prepared?
Things are not looking so good in the Big Uneasy.
From MSNBC and Martin Savidge Is New Orleans ready for hurricane season?
Federal, state and local leaders say yes, but residents have serious doubts.
Stolen Data from VA. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Stolen Data Worse Than Reported.
Democrats: Frozen in Place?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Newsweek, and Michael Hirsh Fear of Failing How can the Democrats win if the party is scared of its own shadow?.
Maybe those in Congress should read some history.
Maybe we do need some "Dollar a Year Men." They were paid, businessmen, a dollar a day during wartime to get the nation through its peril.
Maybe we need the welfare of the nation put ahead of self-gain, campaign promises, pork-barreling, and golden parachutes.
Maybe we need to FOCUS on the long range realities, and possible solutions to, the problems we refuse to face now; the problems, debts, and pain we are building up as a negative legacy to our children and their children.
Maybe each and everyone of us, including the Senators and the Congressmen, need to stand up and say what, precisely, we stand for.
We can start with supporting The Constitution, Separation of Powers; we can start with alleviating the horrors of war, hunger, poverty, and, oh yes, our mistreatment of our natural ecology.
Maybe we can actually do something instead of bickering and posturing.
Press Corps in Baghdad. Remy Benoit
From Times Online and Richard Beeston The dead and the deadlines.
FDA - Cut portion size. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN FDA: Restaurants on front lines in obesity fight.
We are a country at war.
Our Veterans do not get the health care they need.
We have poverty here.
We lack a viable national health care program.
Our entire education system needs revamping.
Our cities need repair.
The Gulf Coast is a disaster area, as are other parts of the country.
I truly think the government has enough to do without trying to regulate what is on our plates when we can actually afford the gas to go and eat out.
Fresh Air?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC White House opens door to dissenters
Aversion to criticism appears to be fading, but to what end?.
Sunday Morning. Remy Benoit
Another hot day coming, and still no rain here.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran's top leader warns against U.S. attack.
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Toughs it Out.
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Defends Troops.
From the AP and Military.com Vets Warned of Possible Virus Exposure.
From Common Dreams, Marcus Raskin and Sarah Anderson Napoleon's Ghost in Washington.
From Tom Paine, David Callahan and John Schwarz Talking Freedom.
Privacy?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Anna Quindlen, and MSNBC Your Mother's Maiden Name.
Vietnam MIA. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Vietnam to Help Recover MIAs Remains.
From American Forces Press Services and Military.com Rumsfeld Discusses Vietnam Issues.
Iraq - Kidnappings, Executions. Remy Benoit
From CNN Police impostors kidnap 50 in Baghdad.
The Mission is still, quite clearly, not accomplished and continues putting the lives of our troops at great risk.
I have been getting phone calls, campaign calls.
I have been asking that the person who is represented by the phone questioner face some of the realities of the present State of the Union.
When they call, you have a chance to say what you really think. Interestly, the young man who called me told me that everyone he had spoken with today was angry. What a surprise.
Tell your callers that the VA needs to be properly funded to deal with this new generation of Veterans coming home with amputations, brain, spinal, and other life seriously altering injuries.
Do remind them that they represent, work for, us, not the other way around.
Civil Liberties. Remy Benoit
From the Voice of America and Jim Malone Civil Liberties in an Age of Terrorism.
Down History Lane with Civil Liberties During Wartime.
Down History Lane with a Journalistic Giant Edward R. Murrow.
For a great read, a hard look at how hard it was to get the news out during the Second World War Lynn Olson and Stanley W. Cloud The Murrow Boys : Pioneers on the Front Lines of Broadcast Journalism.
From the AP and Truthout Senators Seek Answers in Probe of Reporter.
H Res 543. Remy Benoit
This Resolution calls for an open debate in the House on the continuing war in Iraq.
If you would like to see that occur, contact your Representative. House of Representatives, contact numbers.
From Truthout Peace Movement to Phone Congress Demanding Debate on Iraq.
War Criminals as Spies. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Documents: CIA concealed Nazi war criminals.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From the Army News Service and Military.com Army Adopts Single, Blue Service Uniform.
From the AP and Military.com Data on 2.2M Active Troops Stolen.
From All Headline News and Nidhi Sharma, Paris AHN Report Says : Europe Aided U.S. In CIA Flights.
From Reuters and Louis Charbonneau WRAPUP 1-Iran offer is negotiable if enrichment stops-Merkel.
From Newsweek and Rabbi Marc Gellman, some very good advice Feed the Right Wolf.
How would our days change if we faced the problems that rose during them with love, with compassion, with patience knowing they are all part of the human condition and, in some form, perhaps have always been?
Wednesday Evening. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Terry Frieden Specter blasts Cheney's efforts on NSA hearing.
From the AP and CNN Americans want universal health coverage, group says. And this is a surprise?
From the AP and Military.com House Panel Approves $50B More for Wars.
From the Christian Science Monitor and Kris Axtman Storm readiness rises. Is it enough?. The real question is, are YOU ready? Have you done all you can? Again, depend on yourself!
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Troop Rotations Planned.
From the AP and Military.com Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi Killed.
From MSNBC, Richard Engel Blogging Baghdad.
From The Times Online, UK, and Ned Parker Analysis: betrayed by his fellow Sunnis?.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From the Chicago Tribune, Peter Gorner, and the Houston Chronicle Scientists may have found where earthly life began.
From the AP and the London Free Press World powers back off on Iran.
From New Standard, Michelle Chen, and Truthout Cheney's Office Declares Exemption From Secrecy Oversight.
From The Times Picayune, Michelle Krupa, and Nola.com Millions of gallons of water seeping away Fissures in pipes traced to Katrina
From the AP, Hope Yen, and Truthout Data on 2.2 Million Active Troops Stolen From VA.
From The Nation, John Nichols, and Common Dreams Citizens 1, Corporations 0.
From Reuters and Truthout Senate Panel Backs Off Telcos in Spying Probe.
MoveOn: RE: Cutting of Funding to NPR and PBS. Remy Benoit
Subject: Save NPR and PBS (again)
Hi,
Everyone expected House Republicans to give up efforts to kill NPR and PBS after a massive public outcry stopped them last year. But they've just voted to eliminate funding for NPR and PBS—unbelievably, starting with programs like "Sesame Street."
Public broadcasting would lose nearly a quarter of its federal funding this year. Even worse, all funding would be eliminated in two years--threatening one of the last remaining sources of watchdog journalism.
Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS again this year:
Funding of Public Broadcasting.
Last year, millions of us took action to save NPR and PBS, and Congress listened. We can do it again if enough of us sign the petition in time.
This would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting. The Boston Globe reports the cuts "could force the elimination of some popular PBS and NPR programs." NPR's president expects rural public radio stations may be forced to shut down.
The House and Senate are deciding if public broadcasting will survive, and they need to hear from viewers like you. Sign the petition at:
Funding of Public Broadcasting.
Thanks!
P.S. Read the Boston Globe story on the threat to NPR and PBS at:
Cheney Responds. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Cheney willing to talk, powerless to act on NSA eavesdropping.
Support for Troops, but Not Necessarily the War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Many Support Troops, but Not the War.
Please do keep in mind that we sent them into combat; that they are experiencing things daily that simply have no equivalent in civilian life.
Keep after the VA, the Congress, the President to show respect for those we send into combat by adequately funding the VA. There are not enough funds to care for even the older Veterans, let alone the thousands of new ones needing help each day. Do your part!
First Tropical Depression of Season. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC First tropical depression of 2006 forms.
For constant updates on tropical storms, visit Weather Underground Tropical.
States' Rights. Remy Benoit
From the Committee on Government Reform Minority Office United States House of Representatives and Truthout Congress Has Voted More Than 50 Times to Override State Laws.
Internet in Jeopardy. Remy Benoit
The Internet is a valuable tool that can help bring people together; that can help people around the world to communicate, share their cultures, develop mutual understanding.
The Internet is not the playground of the big corporations. It is in jeopardy of becoming just that. Let Congress know how you feel.
From CNN and Craig Newmark Commentary: Keep the Internet neutral, fair and free.
In a recent CNN poll, 93% of those responding felt that Congress is not dealing with the real problems of this country.
We are facing real problems: war, a working exit strategy from Iraq; Iran and nuclear weapons, our country and nuclear weapons; ecological catastrophe ( at present, here, with temps in the high 90's, we are still suffering a drought, currently, about 16 inches low on rain for this time of year).
It is interesting that Al Gore's, An Inconvenient Truth, is breaking public attendance records, but Congress does not seem to "be there" either in adequately accepting that there even is a problem.
There are still blue roofs in Florida from two years ago; the Gulf Coast and New Orleans are suffering ongoing nightmares from Katrina. The Crescent City is losing 2/3 of the water it is pumping each day from leaking pipes; businesses are going down the drain.
Our entire educational system needs overhauling as it is painfully out of date.
We have so much outsourced that jobs here are difficult to find, especially if you are "not young anymore." The minimum wage is unliveable, even with two minimum wage jobs. Shame on us.
Our health care system needs overhauling and a national health plan needs research, development, and implementation.
We are fuel dependent on other countries.
We have not yet seemed to realize that we need diplomats who are well versed in the language, customs, traditions, and religions of other countries. Words are full of power; if we do not understand what people mean by the words they are using, we will never come to understand each other. Appointing people to positions for which they are not prepared is catastrophic. We saw that in the aftermath of Katrina. All the buck passing and mea culpas on the planet will not restore homes and lives to people.
We make more Veterans each and everyday and do not provide the funds to take care of the wounds of war that they carry. Shame on us.
And yet, and yet, the Congress is not listening to us as to what areas need tending. This country is not about corporations, it is about ideas, ideals, and the people. That seems to be backburnering, while important issues are being fried by neglect, and servicing of big corporations.
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of a democracy. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, are the framework for that freedom. If we let corporations decided who goes where, when, and how to what websites, we are allowing restrictions on that freedom, abetting the weakening of our own principle body of laws.
Wake up, America. Use your voice. Elected representatives are answerable to you; not you to them. The Internet can spread your voice. Click, point, send, or call and keep doing it until representatives of your will start listening.
From The New York Times Editorial and Truthout Blind Man's Bluff.
From Truthout, A Film by Rebecca MacNeice Go Tell It On the Mountain.
By the way, Social Security Numbers were never to be used for anything but Social Security. Gee,
my Granny used to tell me, "Never say never."
Waveland, Mississippi. Remy Benoit
Waveland still has no viable infrastructure at this point as it cannot meet the 10% that FEMA requires to rebuild.
How is a town, with its homes and businesses leveled, thus with no tax base, supposed to be able to raise $10 million dollars? This is the proverbial Catch 22. If you can rebuild, you can have a tax base to help pay for what you need. If you do not have a tax base, then you cannot rebuild.
If you can help, if you know anyone who can help, please help them. Every dollar would help.
I was in Waveland, not long before Katrina. It was a pretty, homey, place with a pre-Katrina population of 6,674. Waveland was leveled, and is sometimes called "the town that FEMA forgot."
If you can help, this is where you will find Mayor Tommy Longo.
Mayor Tommy Longo
301 Coleman Ave., PO Drawer H
Waveland, MS 39576
Blessings.
Miz' Remy
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
The first of the season's tropical storms is bearing down on the Florida Coast. From Weather Underground Tropical Storm Alberto.
From the National Hurricane Center Tropical Storm Alberto.
Please pay attention to the forecast and stay alert to what you need to do.
Iraq is still in turmoil.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. commander predicts troop drawdown
Top general forecasts gradual withdrawal of troops in coming months.
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush summons war advisers for Iraq meeting.
From the AP and MSNBC Al-Qaida in Iraq threatens ‘major attacks’.
Please keep in mind, as these soldiers come home, they will be facing tremendous adjustments. A simple "Welcome Home" helps, but jobs, compassion, patience, and support are needed. There is help with PTSD available from many sources, including the VA.
On the home front, Senator Specter continues with the Judiciary Panel of the Senator to look into surveillance. From the AP and MSNBC Specter set to fight on White House surveillance.
And from Joe Galloway and Military.com an opinion piece Grunts Suffer for Leaders' Mistakes.
A Question for You. Remy Benoit
Who speaks for the common man today?
If you could find someone who did speak for the common man, for the fighting soldier, what would she/he be saying?
Would like to see your thoughts on this.
Bush in Baghdad. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush makes surprise visit to Baghdad.
Habitat for Humanity Needs Help. Remy Benoit
Hurricane Recovery/Operation Home Delivery - Involvement.
No Place to Go in a Hurricane? Try This. Remy Benoit
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Large Afghan Offensive Begins.
Free Speech, or Not?. Remy Benoit
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy.
It creates dialogue; it leads to exchange of ideas; it feeds the democratic process.
Somewhere along the line, we have let go of the idea of common ground, what is best for all in the country, and fallen into the abyss of "my way" or the "wrong way."
Somewhere along the line, we have fallen into the grip of political correctness, rather than open dialogue.
From Common Dreams and Medea Benjamin Peace Activists at Hillary Clinton’s Speech Try to Take Back “Take Back America.
What is your plan for Iraq, Senator Clinton?
From the Take Back America Conference, Bill Moyers, and Common Dreams This is Your Story - The Progressive Story of America. Pass It On.
From Find Articles History of Conservatism.
Project for the New American Century.
From Fordham, Internet Modern History Sourcebook Liberalism.
From Truthout and Bill Zide The "C" Word.
If we must use "tags" to identify each other, then we really should know what they mean. And, as always, each "tag" has within it different bottom line positions.
To make democracy work, whatever our particular "tag" we must each take a stand.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraq says ‘huge treasure’ of al-Qaida info seized.
From the AP and Military.com Congress Stages Iraq War Debates.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Rejects Calls for Iraq Pullout.
From the Washington Post, ELLEN KNICKMEYER and JONATHAN FINER, and the Houston Chronicle Iraqi plan may pardon rebels who shed only U.S. blood.
Friday In the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Disaster relief firm's 9/11 fraud not prosecuted.
From Newsweek and MSNBC Iraq:The Human Toll.
From the AP and CNN After bitter debate, House to vote on Iraq pullout
Senate defeats similar withdrawal measure.
From the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military.com Vets Housing and Benefits Bill Becomes Law. Can we work on adequately funding the VA and taking care of our Veterans?
Saturday. Remy Benoit
While we prepare for barbecues, sports, sleeping in...
From Reuters and MSNBC Baghdad security crackdown has little effect.
From the AP and MSNBC Coalition says dozens killed in Afghan fighting.
From CNN Poll: Majority wants Iraq pullout date set.
From the AP and CNN Report: Detainees got only bread, water.
From the Washington Post, Eugene Robinson, and Truthout Stay the Course? What Course?.
From the AP, Liz Sidoti and Truthout Democrats Call Iraq War a "Grotesque Mistake" in House Debate.
What is your take on all this?
Happy Father's Day!. Remy Benoit
Thank you to all the fathers who work so hard, try to set a good example, try so hard to be there for your children in so very many ways. It is truly the most important work you have.
In the News, from Military.com and Ed Lawton An Unconscionable Act.
Search for GI's Continues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Search Still on for Missing GI's.
From CNN Senators spar over U.S. commitment in Iraq.
New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Guard troops ordered to New Orleans
Governor to parents: 'Keep your teenagers off the streets'.
Yes, responsibility does start with the parents. Old-fashioned idea? Don't think so.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Senate Ready to Debate Iraq.
People in the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Iraq war may add stress for past vets.
From CNN Poll: Clinton gets high 'no' vote for 2008.
From Military.com and Wade Sanders Attacks on John Kerry Discredited.
From the AP and MSNBC Arizona crews race to save homes from wildfire.
It it very dry there, still dry here. Last night we had our first rain in weeks, while Houston is flooded and New England is still cleaning up flood waters.
From Voice of America and Claudia Blume Japan Withdraws Troops from Iraq.
Amendments that warrant your support. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Statement by Bobby Muller, Director of Veterans for America, Regarding Amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007, S. 2766.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From ABC and Brian Ross U.S. Back at Full War Footing in Afghanistan.
Some things to consider. Remy Benoit
From Time and Mark Thompson A Misdirected War on Terror?.
And from PBS FRONTLINE The Dark Side.
FRONTLINE will be repeated Friday, June 23, 10-11:30 Central Time.From CNN Lawyer for Saddam Hussein found slain.
Congressional Pay Raise But No Increase Minimum Wage. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Lou Dobbs Dobbs: Congress stiffs working Americans.
Thank You National Guard and State Troopers. Remy Benoit
And Welcome to New Orleans!
From the Times Picayune Guard to patrol least populated areas of N.O.
Cheney on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Cheney: Iraq pullout 'worst possible thing we could do'.
Middle Class - the American Dream Fading. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Blaine Harden and MsNBC U.S. losing its middle-class neighborhoods.
Earth - warm, warmer, warmest. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Study: Earth 'likely' hottest in 2,000 years.
Minimum wage increased rejected; estate taxes may be eliminated. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN House votes to slash inherited estate taxes.
From Reuters and Kamal Taha CEOs Earn 262 Times Pay of Average Worker.
Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraq declares state of emergency in Baghdad.
From the AP and MSNBC In Afghanistan, Taliban isn’t the only enemy
U.S. troops tread through 110-degree deserts with little food or water.
From MSNBC Officials: U.S. didn’t find WMDs, despite claims.
From Military.com and David Axe Experts Say Iraqi Forces Not Ready.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces in Iraq to Shrink.
Free Press/Free Internet. Remy Benoit
From USA Today and Common Dreams Secret Government or A Free Press?.
From The Nation, Robert W. McChesney, and Common Dreams How a Coalition of Bloggers is Turning the Democratic Donkey.
The bottom line, once again, always, is the common good. We keep being told "We hear you." I don't see that, at all.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and MSNBC Iraqis Muslims put faith in praying alone.
From The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung, and MSNBC Officials defend financial searches.
From the AP and CNN Schwarzenegger rejects request for more troops.
Iraq exit?. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, the New York Times, and CNN NYT: General says most troops home by 2008.
Sunday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Gulf Coast libraries get nearly $18 million.
This is one book that everyone in an area subject to natural disaster should read. But then, where is there an area that does not know flooding, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, etc.? It is critical that one knows what to do in a critical situation. This book will show you that you need to depend on you! Douglas Brinkley: The Great Deluge : Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
This is a highly readable preliminary history of what happened in the New Orleans area and on the coast. Bravo to Douglas Brinkley.
Reading this book, passing some time with Brinkley as he tells this story, will both explain what happens when what needs doing is neglected, and how humans respond in a catastrophic upheaval.
And a special note of thanks to Garland Robinette of WWL Radio for not not holding back; for saying: "...the birds are gone. Get out of town...." I don't think I have to explain that here.
You know, the impact of Katrina was seen across the country. For many of us here, for weeks, there were no visuals, no power, no tv. It was the voices of people like Garland, on portable radios, that let us know what was happening in the city, in our areas when all we could see where the uprooted trunks of trees and destruction all around. Blessings to all of them for being there for us.
From the AP and Military.com the mix of emotions that flow when coming home Iraq: A Minute-By-Minute Battle.
As the troops come home, make it your personal business in your town to see that there is a welcome; that there are jobs; that there is health care.
When it comes down to it, all we have is each other. Be there for the Veterans as they were there when you called.
Somewhere lies truth?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Mark Hosenball and MSNBC North Korea and Iraq: Trumped-Up Threats?.
Sunset Commission. Remy Benoit
Sunset Commission Resource Center. Too much power, in too few hands, once again.
Iraq Insurgents Seek Truce?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Sunni insurgent groups reportedly seek truce
Shiite legislator says lesser groups responding to PM’s amnesty offer.
Bush Condemns Info on Banking Searches. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Bush condemns disclosure of secret anti-terror program.
Checks and Balances. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Supreme Court takes on global warming.
When is a law not a law?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush ignores laws he signs, angering Congress.
Giving Back. Remy Benoit
From Forbes and Tom Van Riper It's Only Just Begun.
An open heart is a wonderful thing to behold. Perhaps we shall see some corporations giving back some of their immense profits too?
Murtha. Remy Benoit
From the South Florida Sun-Sentinal and Truthout Murtha Says US Poses Top Threat to World Peace.
Military Medical Care Gap. Remy Benoit
From the News Tribune, Tacoma, Washington, Les Blumenthal, and Veterans for America Study shows military care gap.
We don't see the caskets coming home.
We don't see the wounded coming home.
But they are real, very, very real, and they need you behind them, demanding proper care for them, for the families they have left behind.
Be there for them. Demand proper care.
Senate, the Constitution, and the President. Remy Benoit
From the AP,CNN, and Truthout Senate Holds Hearings on Bush's Use of Signing Statements.
Ramadi. Remy Benoit
From NPR, Listen Ramadi.
Flooding. Remy Benoit
While we are suffering the worst drought in decades, flooding is tearing apart the lives of others.
From the AP and MSNBC Up to 200,000 told to flee Northeast flooding.
Please, you have seen what water can do here. Go to a safe place!
Our prayers are with you.
Supreme Court . Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Justices: Bush went too far at Guantanamo.
VA Laptop Recovered. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Stolen VA laptop recovered.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Kristin Roberts, and Common Dreams US General: Strong, Sophisticated Taliban Emerging.
Clotting Bandages. Remy Benoit
From Newsday and Martin C. Evans Lifesaving kits in short supply.
From the Kansas City Star and David Goldstein Scrounging to stanch bleeding.
From Newsday and Martin C. Evans Pols eye funds for troops' bandages.
This is not about politics, this is about lives.
Down History Lane with Emperor Norton I. Remy Benoit
From the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco Joshua A. Norton, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.
Check out his Proclamation of August 12, 1869.
Lousiana Recovery Oil Tax . Remy Benoit
I do not know if this is the answer, but you can read and decide for yourselves.
I do know that Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have serious problems, today, 10 months after Katrina. I know that Florida still has serious problems.
I do know that long range solutions need to be put into action.
I do know that New Orleans is hurting as are so many other places here.
We need to pull together. We need the best representation we can get. We need to put input into recovery. We need to make our needs heard by our representatives.
Promises are fine. Mea culpas of culpability for disaster, like promises, are meaningless unless corrective action is taken.
And one other thing. We are in a serious drought.
There are fire bans all over. Respect them. Watch where you toss cigarettes. The home you save may be your own.
We are the Gulf Coast. We need to make our voices heard. The country needs our rivers, our port. We need our homes, our jobs, our lives back.
Our sympathies to those who are suffering now from flood waters. With all of us, we never know when disaster will strike, or how it will gouge out our hearts.
Preserving the Balance of Power. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Bush’s governing philosophy rebuffed
Court ruling emphasizes constitutional boundaries.
From The Washington Post, Josh White, and MSNBC U.S. scrambles for Guantanamo options.
From the AP and Fox News Legality of Guantanamo's Tribunals Moves to Halls of Congress.
From the Honolulu Star Bulletin Supreme Court ruling should cap executive power.
From the BBC Bush refuses to abandon tribunals.
Network Neutrality. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle, Tom Abate, and Common Dreams Net Neutrality Amendment Dies Telecommunications bill goes to Senate without provision sought by Web firms.
Just as there should be a balance of power within the government, so should there be among the people and the corporations.
The Internet is tool for all, not for the few to regulate. It is a stepping stone to knowledge, the dissemination of ideas, and communication betweeen cultures. It is not up to the corporations to determine where we go to pass some time on someone else's front porch. That is freedom of speech and assembly, be it virtual.
"The War Tapes". Remy Benoit
From Fox News and Catherine Donaldson-Evans Halliburton's KBR Figures Prominently in Unusual Iraq Documentary.
Freedom of Speech. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Media groups defend secret-program stories.
If we wish to export democracy, then we must live it.
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC The GOP's media bashing is a response to journalists' attempts to hold the administration accountable—a job Congress won't do.
The protection of freedom is not left to any one group, but to all of us.
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Introduction to the Free Speech Claus.
From American Rhetoric, a walk Down History Lane to World War I and Robert La Follette 6 October 1917 Robert M. La Follette: Free Speech in Wartime (Abridged).
We have a vibrant history, we really should learn more of it! We cannot settle for feel good social studies rather than real history any more than we can settle for entertainment trying to pass itself off as hard news. The real bottom line should be about information and truth, not profits. That is the role of the 4th Estate.
What to publish. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Papers defend stories on classified programs.
Something to Think About. Remy Benoit
One of my favorite movies growing up, and well, still, is The Day the Earth Stood Still. from 1951.
I liked the scientist with his chalkboard who so reminded me of Dr. Einstein who I would watch on those special science shows. With my children, I have since visited Princeton, seen his home, his classroom, etc. I think of him, perhaps because of his unruly mane, his delightful smile, as "Uncle Albert," even though I never had the privilege of meeting him.
But the thing about this classic movie, made as the Cold War was so chilly, was that it gave hope that one day we could function as people of the earth, pull together, stop our grievances about each other.
As the Cold War progressed with the Korean War,
with Vietnam, often the thought would go through my mind that perhaps an alien invasion would be what it really took to get us to stop making each other miserable.
The years, indeed, the decades, have passed. The Cold War is over though we don't seem to know quite how to proceed without it. All those years of air raid drills that probably made my entire generation somewhat paranoid are over. The cloak closets in schools are gone, their metal hooks for woolen coats replaced with metal lockers for polyester coats. I haven't seen too many yellow boots lately either.
I recall the manual typewriters, the messy carbon paper, the typing the whole page over because you knew, oh yes, the teacher would notice the comma you missed! Now the keyboard is easy, the convenience of the Internet astonishing.
So many changes, so many wars, so many lives and yet still we haven't gotten it right yet.
I have another favorite movie of the same genre. The first time I saw it was my children and their friends. The special effects are so much more advanced than the movie from l951, but Bill Pullman's message is so much the same when he speaks as President addressing the problem of the aliens.
Something to think about for the weekend of the 4th of July. Independence Day. 1996.
Suite Française and More. Remy Benoit
Irène Némirovsky died at Auschwitz in '42.
The last of her work, held and treasured by her daughters, was published in 2004.
From Newsweek, Cathleen McGuigan, and MSNBC Unfinished Symphony A stunning best seller about WWII—by a writer who didn't survive it.
Sometimes it is good to look at terrible times to help us remember how fragile and precious freedom is. There are always the "jackboots" that want to take it away for self-aggrandizement.
The only real protectors of freedom are, indeed, We the People.
Something else to think about while grilling those 'burgers.
Through Foreign Eyes and Through History's Eyes. Remy Benoit
From Agence France-Presse and Common Dreams Britons Tire of Cruel, Vulgar US: Poll.
Happy 4th of July!. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout an essay about Benjamin Franklin as a role model. The Example.
A suggestion too. Before Congress makes any law it should be viewed in terms of the blood price paid to ensure our freedom. If it treads on that, it is not a righteous law.
UN Emergency Meeting. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC North Korea tests seventh missile amid outcry.
From InfoPlease North Korea.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz and Robin Wright, and MSNBC A driven president faces a world of crises.
The world always has "crises." That is why it is a good idea for a nation to cultivate good allies. It is why we have the United Nations. Unfortunately, at the moment, much of the world is concerned about our policies, at home, and abroad.
Also from the Washington Post, President Carter, and Truthout We Need Fewer Secrets.
A serious question. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Stephen Hawking, and CNN Stephen Hawking has a question for you.
Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Some news on mental health of soldiers legeislation and a survey for those of you who have served.
The Aftermath of War. Remy Benoit
From the Independent, UK, Jessie King, and Truthout Vietnamese Wildlife Still Paying a High Price for Chemical Warfare.
For further information from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Veterans and Agent Orange: Herbicide/Dioxin Exposure and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in the Children of Vietnam Veterans.
From the VA VA’s Guide on Agent Orange Claims.
Vietnam Veterans Guide on PTSD.
A Different Kind of Diplomacy?. Remy Benoit
From Time and MSNBC The end of cowboy diplomacy.
PTSD and War and Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From Worcester Telegram, Richard Nangle, and Veterans for America War veterans facing a battle back home.
71 Year Old Vet Can Stay in FEMA Trailer. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Brunker FEMA Says Vet Can Keep Trailer.
Why was there ever any question? We need to treat our Veterans better.
Life in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Time and Aparisim Ghosh The Most Dangerous Name In Iraq.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout A Day in the Life.
From the New York Times, Edward Wong, and Truthout Brazen Daytime Violence Continues in Baghdad.
From the AP and Military.com GIs Were Killed Over Rape-Murders.
From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ron Martz, and Veterans for America War veterans denied GI Bill benefits.
War is ugly, we seem to like to deny that.
We seem to be unable on the homefront to face that.
Perhaps if we did, we could make less Veterans by
finding other ways.
Ilario Pantano Warlord : No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy. I listened to this man speak last night with Jon Stewart. He has some things to say that need to be heard.
Tonight Jon will have John Dean as a guest who also has some important things for us to consider.
Conservatives Without Conscience. It is apparent from listening to John in other places that he has put enormous amounts of work into this book. What he also says needs to be heard. We have choices to make.
Down History Lane with Sinclair Lewis It Can't Happen Here. Keep in mind this was written in 1935 but like all good writing, it is timeless.
Pentagon Shift. Remy Benoit
From the Financial Times, Demetri Sevastopulo, and Truthout US Reverses Policy on Military Detainees.
N'Awlins Still Hurting. Remy Benoit
Our city is in pain.
She is the Queen of the Mississippi and she is still going through a terrible time. I do not understand why, in a nation like this, we allow this to go on this way.
We are capable of so much more to protect our own.
N'Awlins has an incredible, indeed, incomparable history in the development of this country.
Let's get right; let's get it done.
From Tom Paine and Allen Johnson New Orleans lacks recovery plan nearly a year after Katrina.
Rumsfeld in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld Visits Iraq.
Mid-East Crises. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC U.S. has limited options in Mideast crises.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh, and MSNBC Passing the Buck.
From CNN Israel strikes Beirut airport, blocks ports.
Halliburton Contract to be Rebid. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Army to Rebid Halliburton Contract.
Formaldehyde in FEMA Trailers. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Truthout Environmentalists: Tests Show High Levels of Formaldehyde Found in FEMA Trailers.
Ex-CIA Plame Sues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Former CIA officer sues Cheney, Libby, Rove over leak.
Middle East in Upheaval. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times and Ken Ellingwood Olmert's Political Fate Tied to Israeli Military Campaigns.
From CNN U.S. vetoes U.N. resolution on Mideast.
Perhaps this is a time for restraint. The contentions here are centuries old, tied up in religion and world views.
From MSNBC and Steve Gutkin Crisis allows Israel to pursue strategic goals.
From MSNBC EU accuses Israel of ‘disproportionate’ force.
Bastille Day. Remy Benoit
July 14 is a very special day in France. It is Bastille Day, marking the storming of the Bastille Prison and the end of absolute monarchy in France.
From Tseguereda Mogues 14 JULY -- A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN FRANCE.
Some here in the states have a tradition of watching Casablanca and standing to sing along with the Marseillaise.
Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé ! (bis)
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes,
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes !
For the complete lyric, French and English La Marseillaise L'Hymne national français.
From Lafayette to the present day, our history has been closely tied to that of France.
Take a walk Down History Lane in WWI with the Escadrille Américaine.
From Raquel Henderson and the Doughboy Center The Story of the American Expeditionary Forces.
"Nous voilà, Lafayette!"
We share a history of belief in the individual rights of each person. We share a history of distrust of leadership without restraint.
Happy Bastille Day!
And speaking of the Rights of the Common Man,
here are a couple pieces to think about:
From The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and Common Dreams A Politics of the Common Good.
And from the AP and Truthout Activists Sue to Block Electronic Voting.
Sunday 4PM CNN interview with Veterans for America's Outreach Coordinator. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Help with Coming Home.
Welcome Home. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi Giving vets the homecoming they never had.
And you can help those in combat areas call home Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Mid-East. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC Israeli strikes are part of a broader strategy.
The Fighting Goes On. Remy Benoit
Destruction and death continue in the Middle East.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Matthew Kalman ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH TRADE FIERCE ROCKET ATTACKS.
From the Toronto Star and Sandro Contenta Syria poised to strike back.
From the AP, ABC, and Martin Crutsinger Blair, Annan Call for Troops in Israel.
From Newsweek, Christopher Dickey, Kevin Peraino and Babak Dehghanpisheh, and MSNBC The Hand That Feeds the Fire.
Rabbi Michael Lerner on the Middle East. Remy Benoit
From Tikkun, Michael Lerner, and Truthout End the Suffering in the Middle East.
VA and Brain Injuries. Remy Benoit
From Army Times, Rick Maze, and Veterans for America
Report: VA needs to step up care for brain injuries.
The fighting goes on. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Martin Fletcher Witnessing the random violence of war.
From the AP and Military.com US Ramps Up Evacuation Plans.
For May and June, from the AP and Military.com Iraq Civilian Toll Spikes to Nearly 6,000.
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Cutting and Running.
From MSNBC, the Daily Nightly, and Brian Williams The View from Above.
From the AP and MSNBC Official: Afghan towns reclaimed from Taliban.
From Reuters, Adrian Croft, and Common Dreams Yo Bush! Blair Mocked as US Poodle.
From the AP, Mark Sherman, and Common Dreams Gonzales: Bush Blocked Eavesdropping Probe.
From Tom Paine, David C. Vladek Bush Does It In the Dark.
It is tedious to listen to "pundits" exclaiming this is World War III.
This is a time for reason, diplomacy, compromise.
Obliterating each other does not solve problems, it simply deepens and extends grievances, passing them on to yet another generation. Is that what we really want to do?
And from CNN and Lou Dobbs, his questions on perspectives Dobbs: Not so smart when it comes to the Middle East.
War is a Very Personal Thing. Remy Benoit
When we speak of war, we tend to speak of countries at odds, diplomats who have failed in their missions, troop movements, munitions, etc.
But at every level, war is very, very personal.
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Finer, and MSNBC Families of captives fear they will be forgotten.
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan Beirut student reaches Cyprus en route to L.A.
From CNN Ninth day of fighting in Lebanon.
From CNN Mideast crisis aid groups.
From CNN Iraq: 38 tortured bodies found.
Are we finally beginning to begin to understand how horrible war is?
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright and Colum Lynch, and Truthout US at Odds With Allies on Mideast Conflict.
Agent Orange. Remy Benoit
The August issue of Vanity Fair magazine carries an article on Agent Orange: Vietnam Syndrome by Christopher Hitchens with photographs by James Nachtwey.
This article needs to be read, by everyone.
Doctors and War in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Times Online, James Hider and Ali Al-Hamdani, and Veterans for America The doctors who are too afraid to care for patients.
And from Tyre, Lebanon, CNN and Cal Perry The true cost of war.
Ancient Tyre.
Saturday Roundup. Remy Benoit
It is a steamy Saturday morning in the Southland.
Part of New York City swelters with a lack of power. From the AP and CNN Blackouts darken, roast New York. The people there truly have our sympathy as we know after going for weeks without power from Katrina that it can be most unpleasant. Lots of people in Iraq, and now Lebanon, are sharing the discomfort of lack of power.
Seems some things are slipping through the net that shouldn't be. From MSNBC and Rich Gardella Report: DOD sells sensitive military equipment.
And more and more death claimed by the insatiable gods of war in Lebanon where it seems things will escalate. From the Washington Post, Edward Cody and Scott Wilson, and MSNBC History repeats itself in new conflict? Not quite.
From the Toronto Star and Tim Harper U.S. seeking more than quick fix: Rice.
From CNN Cyprus plea for help on evacuees.
From CBS
Israel Advances Into Lebanon.
Still the "pundits" are out there talking about World War III. They would put better use to air time to have diplomats ( are there any out there?)
sit down at round tables, if they must, and try to find a way out of this. There are always possibilities other than war. Consider, "open covenants, openly arrived at." Still working toward that one, Mr. Wilson. What a novel idea to have people know just what agreements are running their lives, costing the destruction of their homes; costing the lives of their children, and themselves.
From the New York Times, David S. Cloud and Helene Cooper, and Truthout US Speeds Up Bomb Delivery for the Israelis.
Before these "talking heads" so seemingly gleefully chant WWIII, they should go back and review the destruction of the first two. Their words are irresponsible, puerile, and war enhancing.
More US troops are going to Baghdad. Perhaps someone should note that fighting in the Middle East is very complex. Perhaps someone should have noted that before we started in Iraq. From the AP and Military.com More Troops Headed for Iraq.
The Living and the Dead. Remy Benoit
From Time, Nicholas Blanford, and CNN Abandoning the Dead, and Living, in Lebanon.
Sermons. Remy Benoit
Yesterday it rained, and rained, and rained here.
It was beautiful, it brought some balance to the drought thirsty land. Despite hours of rain, there is not a single puddle in evidence, so dry was the land.
The air this morning is wet, thick, expectant of the rain to come today.
The root of most of our personal troubles, the root of most of the trouble in the world, is a lack of balance and a lack of compassion, for others, for the planet itself.
We separate into 'them' and 'us.' Separation brings fear; fear often manifests in anger; anger manifests in war.
Sometimes we do not look ahead to consider the ripples caused by our actions. In that 'we" I include each and everyone of us, from each and every country.
From the New York Times, Neil MacFarquhar, and Common Dreams Across the Middle East, Sermons Critical of the U.S.
Perhaps we should listen carefully to sermons being preached here this Sunday. Listen for compassion; listen for the "separation"; listen for single note of finding a better way than death and destruction.
The level of hyprocrisy we live with is sometimes astonishing. We send our young to war, to learn, to live with, to fight with, the ultimate obscenity, and then the censors on TV find the words that are used to describe the experience as "offensive," profane. From the New York Times, Elizabeth Jensen, and Truthout Soldiers' Words May Test PBS Language Rules.
Please, wherever we are, whatever faith we follow, let us pray for some sense, some reason, some compassion, and a better way.
Lebanon. Remy Benoit
From CNN Rice's mission moves to Jerusalem.
American Bar Association and the Constitution. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN ABA: Bush violating Constitution.
On the same subject, From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Specter preparing bill to sue Bush.
From the Boston Globe, Charlie Savage, and Truthout Panel Chides Bush on Bypassing Laws.
Calls for Cease fire. Remy Benoit
From the BBC UN calls for Mid-East ceasefire.
From the BBC and Paul Reynolds A new force for peace?.
And from Foreign Policy in Focus Congress and the Israeli Attack on Lebanon: A Critical Reading.
Religious Left Pushes Back. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Tom Ferraro and Truthout Religious Left Gears Up to Face Right Counterpart.
Friends of New Orleans. Remy Benoit
The recovery of New Orleans is vital to this nation.
She has a proud history; a history that very much contributed to the growth of this nation.
Now our beloved New Orleans needs you!
Please, become Friends of New Orleans.
Please use your voice to support our efforts to rebuild.
Thank you so much,
Miz' Remy
PTSD. Remy Benoit
From the Daily Kos PTSD Combat News Roundup: July 14-27, 2006.
In the News. Remy Benoit
From USA Today and Andrea Stone Rice to go back to Middle East; EU offers peacekeepers.
From CNN Blair to press Bush on Mideast.
From Time and Scott MacLeod Egypt's Mubarak: "No Light at the End of the Tunnel".
People are dying, cities are being leveled, homes destroyed. All efforts, from all quarters, need to be directed to a ceasefire. This is important to all of us.
War is very personal. When will we see that and demand as much effort be put into solving problems as into making war.
FEMA/Mike Brown/Formaldehyde. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Michael Brown on lawmaker: 'He can bite me'
Mississippi congressman, former FEMA director trade barbs.
From MSNBC, Mike Brunker, and Rising from the Ruins FEMA Trailers 'Toxic Tin Cans'?.
I sat here and read some of the comments to the above article.
First, we are so very grateful on the Gulf Coast to all who have so opened their hearts to us, including the State of Qatar $100M Qatar fund starts working on recovery.
The Qatar Katrina Relief Fund.
Secondly, recovery from a catastrophe of the proportions of Katrina takes a long, long time.
Let me ask this question - How many of you around the country are prepared for the idea of losing everything you have? What plan do you have in place to deal with that?
Most people are not prepared for even a week's survival without all the things, the conveniences to which we are accustomed. Are you one of them?
I cannot explain to you what it feels like to be living in a FEMA can, in the backyard, behind your gutted home, waiting on officialdom to get it right, so you can get it done.
Remember the old expression, 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
There are all kinds of 'natural catastrophes' - fire, wind, tornado, floods, hurricanes, tsunami.
Which one favors your area? How are you prepared to cope with it?
How much do you feel you can depend on the government to be there when you need them?
How many hours, days, are you ready to keep dialing a FEMA number that is busy?
If you are not prepared for catastrophe, please take a look at these two books. The levels of incompetence in crisis will astonish you.
Jed Horne Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City.
Douglas Brinkley The Great Deluge.
We live on a very fragile blue planet. We need to take better care of it, and each other.
Coming home? Not. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN U.S. may send 5,000 more troops to Baghdad
Homecoming delayed for thousands as military tries to stem Iraq violence.
From the Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and Veterans for America Waiting to Get Blown Up -- Some Troops in Baghdad Express Frustration With the War and Their Mission.
Long, long, long way from 'mission accomplished.'
Bush/Blair Call for Cease-fire. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush, Blair call for Mideast cease-fire multinational force proposed for southern Lebanon.
At War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Israel rejects U.N. call for temporary cease-fire.
From the AP and MSNBC Three U.S. Marines killed in Iraq’s Anbar.
From Reuters and MSNBC UN says 6,000 Iraqi civilians killed in May-June.
From Reuters, Michael Georgy and MSNBC None left untouched by daily violence in Baghdad.
From ABC News and Kathy Gannon 500,000 Israelis Living in Bomb Shelters.
From the Washington Post and Will Dunham US says no plans to boost troops further in Iraq.
From Voice of America and Sonja Pace Diplomats Disagree on How to Stop Lebanon Fighting.
From Joshua Holland and AlterNet, some things to consider Bush's Iraq: A Bloodbath Economy.
Costs Not Clarified. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Report: State Dept. hid costs of Iraqi projects.
Can you be an angel to a soldier?
Soldiers' Angels.
Shellshock. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Shellshocked Soldiers Emerge From Battle.
From Newsweek and Scott Johnson 'Tipping Point'.
How many lives, homes can be lost in a week?
Perhaps we need to show more of the graphic footage of war, of the wounded, of the dead on the television. Maybe then we would understand we need to find a better way. Would that showing offend sensibilities? Well, maybe they need to be offended to work to find a better way. Sometimes truth hurts, a lot. But only when we face it can we deal with it. War is ugly.
Israel to Widen Ground War. Remy Benoit
From CNN Israel OKs expansion of Lebanon campaign.
The world watches, waits as animosities build.
The parties must be brought to the table.
Citizens around the world must take a stand and let their voice be heard.
Destruction in the Middle East is not the road to peace.
From CNN Key Republican breaks with Bush on Mideast
Nebraska's Sen. Hagel calls for immediate cease-fire.
Storm Possibilities Should Not be Taken Lightly. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Scott Cohn, CNBC East Coast may be overdue for killer storm.
From MSNBC, Sharon Epperson, CNBC Millions are underinsured for next big storm.
From Weather Underground and Dr. Jeff Masters WunderBlog.
Be prepared. Do not expect anyone else to prepare for you. It just doesn't work that way.
Lebanon and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Anthony Shadid, and The Washington Post What next, Lebanon? Consternation grips nation as it again looks up from war’s ruins.
From CNN Iraq car bombs kill at least 39.
When will we all grow weary enough of war to find a better way?
Dear Mr. President. Remy Benoit
From the Democratic Leadership to President Bush:
From the New York Times, Adam Nagourney, and Truthout Democratic Leaders Ask Bush to Redeploy Troops in Iraq.
Issues of Import. Remy Benoit
From the Inter Press Service, Jim Lobe and Common Dreams Republican Realists Call for Major Course Change.
From CNN (Iraq) President: Iraqi forces to take over by year's end.
From the AP and CNN Iraq businesses shut down due to violence
Baghdad's once bustling commercial hubs are now deserted streets.
An Opinion from Lou Dobbs. Remy Benoit
From CNN Dobbs: Five-weeks off for 'do-nothing Congress.'
Rumsfeld and the Senate. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld to face tough questions on Iraq war.
From CNN Head of U.S. command: Iraq civil war possible.
Bill Moyers for President?. Remy Benoit
From Truthdig, Molly Ivins and Truthout Run Bill Moyers For President, Seriously.
Air Quality and FEMA trailers. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Rising from the Ruins, and Mike Brunker FEMA U-turn on trailer tests.
War, War, and more War. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Israel hits bridges, expands Lebanon bombing.
From ABC News and Murtada Faraj Iraqi Shiites Chant 'Death to Israel'.
From Truthout and John Kerry John Kerry: "Administration Sending US Troops Into Crossfire of Escalating Civil War".
From Desert Dispatch News, Adrienne Ziegler, and Veterans for America Life after war.
From the AP, Hamza Hendawi, and Truthout Israel and Hezbollah Continue War; Civilian Death Toll Rises.
From Tom Paine and Tom Barry 'New American Century' Lives On.
From the AP and Fox News Rice Signals Possible Compromise to Reach Cease-Fire in Mideast.
From the Voice of America US-Led Troops, Afghan Soldiers Kill 25 Taleban Fighters.
From The Daily Nebraskan and Nicole Snider Artist remembers fallen soldiers through portraits.
Cities are being leveled; lives lost; injuries multiplying. It is said that war is a failure of diplomacy. Perhaps diplomats should be held to some responsibility.
Committees of Correspondence Redux. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Stirling Newberry The Revolution Is Not Being Televised.
Down History Lane From Early America The Committee of Correspondence: Moving Towards ndependence By Brian D. McKnight.
Hillary Clinton would like your input on the track in Iraq. Tell Me What You Think. In fact, write your Senators and Representatives and tell them all what you think! It is your country.
Veteran Legislative Update. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Legislative Update.
Resolution for Cessation of Hostilities. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Draft truce calls for ‘full cessation of hostilities’.
Jimmy Carter. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Carter: Bush Israel's 'worst ally' in D.C..
Coming Tuesday: Primary in Connecticut. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Don Blaz, and Truthout Conn. Race Could Be Democratic Watershed.
From the McClatchy Washington Bureau and Tom Lasseter Iraqi Civil War has Already Begun, US Troops Say.
Opinons from The Progressive and Matthew Rothschild Tom Friedman Throws in the Towel on Iraq.
From Inside Defense.com and Military.com McCain: Major DoD Budget Crunch Looms.
224th Anniversary of the Purple Heart. Remy Benoit
Military Order of the Purple Heart.
On the War Fronts. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times Magazine and Michael Young Hezbollah's Other War.
From Time and Aparisim Ghosh Life in Hell: Baghdad Diary.
From NPR and John Hendren Iraq Still Manages to Shock.
PTSD of Epidemic Proportions. Remy Benoit
From the Rhode Island News, Bob Kerr, and Veterans for America The Army Major Sees a PTSD Epidemic.
From Chris Rose's Front Stoop In New Orleans. Remy Benoit
A New Appreciation for Hurricane Season.
As Chris notes, N'Awlins is in the blood of those who love her. She will come back, never doubt it for a moment.
Here We Go Again at the VA. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan VA loses another computer with personal info Subcontractor Unisys can't find desktop with up to 38,000 vets' data.
Looking for Something to Read?. Remy Benoit
From the Guardian, UK, and Robert Mc Crum
The 100 greatest novels of all time: The list.
Americas Are Still Dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Newsday, Jimmy Breslin, and Veterans for America In case we all forgot, Americans are still dying in Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Troops Endure 125 Degrees in Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces Push Further Into Afghanistan.
From the New York Times, Jim Rutenberg, and Common Dreams ‘Civil War’ Is Uttered, and White House’s Iraq Strategy Is Dealt a Blow.
From the AP and Truthout John Edwards Calls for Withdrawal of Some Troops From Iraq.
From the Guardian, UK, and Gary Younge in Connecticut, and Common Dreams Democrats Who Oppose Illegal Wars and Torture Want to Reclaim the Party.
From the AP, Mark Niesse, and Truthout Kennedy: Jury's Out on US Democracy.
Stress, rage, fear, war. Remy Benoit
War is ugly. We seem to have a hard grasping that.
We act surprised when things run amuck.
War is a breakdown in communication to begin with.
In extreme conditions there are extreme breakdowns. Recognition does not mean condoning ir excusing, but it does mean a place to start working to change things.
The sooner we recognize that, the sooner we work collectively to find a better way.
From CNN Stress sent soldiers to drink and drugs, colleague testifies.
Lamont over Lieberman. Remy Benoit
At the moment, Joe Lieberman is giving his speech conceeding to Ned Lamont while also saying he will file for Independent candidacy from Connecticut.
Update from CNN Lieberman concedes to Lamont, vows to run in November.
From Tom Paine and Robert L. Borosage Triumph Of The New Moral Center.
War, Soldiers, and Their Families Health. Remy Benoit
From the Detroit News, Paul Egan, and Veterans for America Is family a Gulf War casualty?.
From the IAVA Vets in Buffalo Need Your Help.
From USA Today, Greg Zoroya, and Veterans for America Center for war-related brain injuries faces budget cut.
Congress Would Leave 150,000 at Risk for Serious Brain Damage. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Statement by Jonathan Powers, Associate Director of Veterans for America, And Bobby Muller, Chairman of Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
CONGRESS WOULD LEAVE AN ESTIMATED 150,000 TROOPS AT RISK FOR SERIOUS BRAIN DAMAGE
House and Senate Would Cut Defense Appropriations Funding for Traumatic Brain Injury Research and Treatment by 1/2.
Please call/write your Representatives/Senators and demand decent care of our Veterans. Do it today!
This is a simple message that I have been sending out to Representatives and Senators:
We are outraged that Congress would even consider cutting the funding for Traumatic Brain Injury suffered by our troops.
There is simply NO justification for not supplying combat troops with the proper equipment and then not responding in every conceivable way to treat them when they are injured, physically, emotionally, and, indeed, spiritually.
The Congress is answerable to them, and to all of us.
Thank you for your kind attention in this TOP PRIORITY matter.
Questions Concerning Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From the Christian Science Monitor, Gail Russell Chaddock and Veterans for America Rising unease in Congress over Iraq war.
From CNN Richardson calls on Lieberman to step aside.
George McGovern. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC ‘Ready For Change’ George McGovern shares his views on the anti-war movement, the Lieberman defeat and why Hillary Clinton needs to be gutsier.
Helen Thomas on Mid-East Talks. Remy Benoit
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Rice is in Way over Her Head.
Coming Home to New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, Ann M. Simmons, and Truthout Sense of Duty Lures 'Expats' Back Home to New Orleans.
Welcome Home!! Your city needs you!
MId-Term Elections Coming. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Common Dreams Bush Opposition Growing, Poll Finds.
From the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Pierre Tristam, and Common Dreams America Struggles With Its Own Evangelical Taliban.
"The Frightened". Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The Frightened.
Ceasefire. Remy Benoit
From the AP, the Seattle Post Intelligencer, and Sam F. Ghattas Road ahead difficult for ending conflict.
Fight Stigma Attached to Mental Stress of War. Remy Benoit
From the Nashville Tennessean Editorial Board and Veterans for America Fight mental illness stigma.
For your own good, for the good of your family, if you feel you have PTSD get help.
Senator Ted Kennedy. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Ted Kennedy Demeaning Democracy.
From Newsweek, Evan Thomas, and MSNBC The New Age of Terror.
From the Minneaplis Star Tribune an Editorial at Common Dreams Lieberman, Cheney and the War in Iraq
The White House recognizes a vote of noconfidence.
Voices of New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From the Observer
The day that music died.
Come on home to N'Awlins. She needs you!!
For each of you who has enjoyed her music, who has felt her heartbeat, help her in any way you can! Please.
From Ten18Films Hexing a Hurricane.
Governors Want Control of National Guard. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz, and Truthout Governors Oppose Federal Control of Guard.
Yet Another "Them" and "Us". Remy Benoit
When I read the article below, No brats allowed!" I was overcome by a sense of outrage.
We have a way of separating from each other. We send our young to fight, die, to be catastrophically injured, and yet when they come home as Veterans they are separated from us. The VA cannot handle the number of Veterans we supply them because there is always yet another PRIORITY that demands the funds. And we let that happen. Congress would leave an estimated 150,000 troops at risk for serious brain damage. We send them to war ill equipped and accept “You fight with the army you have,” leaving the troops exposed to serious injuries.
By any standard, that is not in the public, personal, or common good interest. From New Partisan and Henry Stern In Defense of the Public Interest.
From MSNBC and Victoria Clayton "No brats allowed!". refers to our children, separating them from us. Ms. Clayton is simply reporting was is said, felt and that is what is so troubling. When you birth a child, you sign on for parenting, quite literally for life. It is a huge, a VAST responsibility. Our children are not becoming real people, they are born real, Lord willing, whole people. It is up to us to guide them in the ways of their culture, and yes, that does mean teaching them behavior in many situations. But it does not mean separating them from the "real world of the grownups." Of course, there are places where children should not be as little ones.
But once upon a time children, and oh dear, yes teenagers were included in the life of the village, the town, the city. Often included disastrously as abused child labor. There was no thought to give a wedding and say "No children invited."
We wonder why our young feel alienated from us.
We wonder why teenagers create their own society.
Did it ever occur to us that we create the situation where they need to in order to have a sense of acceptance, of place?
Schools are them and us places, even though allegedly they are places to educate, to bring out, the best in our young. Follow the rules, or else. Well, sometimes the rules, and, oh my again, the curricula, need changing. The students need the same respect given them as their teachers demand from them. But there is a catch here. Courtesy, a dying art in itself, can be demanded, but respect must be earned.
Manners must be taught, compassion given, and great patience learned.
And the separation thoughts must be eliminated if we have a chance at all of peace.
From Afghanistan: A Personal View of War. Remy Benoit
From the Daily Herald, Katie Schmitt, and Veterans for America A soldier's story of Afghanistan.
Ben Okri: Treat life as a workshop. Remy Benoit
This is a MUST read for parents, teachers, and yes, you too from Jurriaan Kamp and Ode Magazine “Treat life as a workshop to find out who you are”.
Yet Another Hit from Katrina. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Judge: Insurance policy excluded flood damage
Ruling could set a precedent for hundreds of other court challenges.
Hesitant Hezbollah. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Edward Cody and Doug Struck, and MSNBC Hezbollah balks at withdrawal from south.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Al-Qaida Gains Strength in Iraq.
Plame Case. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Gina Keating, and Truthout Plame Lawyer Plans to Force Cheney, Rove Testimony.
Support Treatment for Our Troops. Remy Benoit
Tell Congress to support proper treatment for our troops.
From the IAVA Congress is Slashing Funding for Troops' Brain Injury Treatment.
They gave themselves a raise, but won't support the treatment for the troops, nor pass an increase in minimum wage. Perhaps some of them should have their vacation time extended indefinitely.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!!
Support our Troops.
From the New York Times, Michael R. Gordon, Mark Mazzetti and Thom Shanker, and Truthout Bombs Aimed at GIs in Iraq Are Increasing.
Pain, Living With What One Has Come to Know. Remy Benoit
From Sarah Olson and Truthout Iraq War Vets' Support for Lt. Watada Growing.
Superpower. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Lou Dobbs Dobbs: It's good to be a superpower.
Warrantless Eavesdropping Ruled Unconstitutional. Remy Benoit
From CNN NSA eavesdropping program ruled unconstitutional.
From CNN NSA eavesdropping program ruled unconstitutional
Administration appeals; attorney general says 'program is lawful'.
A Veteran's Voice from the UK. Remy Benoit
Tony McNally is a Veteran of the Falklands War and knows up close and personal the impact of PTSD on a Veteran's Life.
He is the author of Cloudpuncher You may read my review of his book at Cloudpuncher.
Please join Tony and his writings at Watching Men Burn. He has some things to say that need saying. We need to listen to Veterans from all over the world to know of war and their lives after it. We need to be there for them; they are not separate from us, they are our own.
Musicians' Village, New Orleans. Remy Benoit
This is awesome!!
We are all trying to save our city, save its incredible heritage, save its sweet music.
From Habitat for Humanity Harry Connick, Jr., Branford and Ellis Marsalis Partner with Habitat to Build a Musicians' Village in New Orleans' Upper 9th Ward.
This is also our reality from CorpWatch and Truthout Big, Easy Money: Disaster Profiteering on the American Gulf Coast.
Of Concern to Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Troops Express Worries About Iraq.
Saturday in the News. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Bush Blasts Court Ruling on Surveillance.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Shame on Congress.
Pieces of wars, of lives. Remy Benoit
From OneWorld and Aaron Glantz and Truthout Bush Must Negotiate to Make America Safer, Say Former Generals.
From The Washington Post, Petula Dvorak, and MSNBC WWII secret interrogators break their silence.
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Female Iraq vet is home but still haunted.
From the AP and Military.com The Recall of U.S. Troops.
From the Washington Post, Daniel L. Byman and Kenneth M. Pollack, and Truthout What Next?.
From the New York Times, Lizette Alvarez, and Truthout 70's Law Costs 61,000 Military Widows Thousands of Dollars in Survivor Benefits.
In an Appeals Court Ruling last Wednesday the decision said that those patrolling the waters off the coast of Vietnam can now make claims for Agent Orange Related illnesses. Contact your VA.
From Ray McGovern and Common Dreams The Constitution: Checking a Would-Be King.
Down History Lane With Barbara Jordan. Remy Benoit
When I looked at the date of this speech, a speech so filled with pride of country, pride of law, pride of our Constitution, I was amazed that so many years have passed since the day she delivered it to the House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974.
I recall sitting there, bound by the cadence of her speech, the power of her voice, and the sheer integrity of the woman, who as she said, was not at the time of its writing considered one of the "WE the people."
I give you Texas Democrat Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) Barbara Jordan: Statement on the Articles of Impeachment.
Hoping to Pass Time with the President. Remy Benoit
Seems a local man is taking a FEMA trailer to Washington, D.C., hoping to park it on the lawn of the White House, and to pass some time, maybe on the front porch, with the President. Hey, he is bringing red roulade, not a dish to be turned down.
From Nola.com and Bob Warren ROAD TRIP Take one FEMA trailer, add an impassioned man: Washington is about to get shaken up.
He wants to keep the Gulf Coast in clear view as still being in much need of recovery.
For another view from the front stoop, join our Chris Rose at A New Orleans Stoop: Solace After the Storm by Michele Norris. And do get a copy of Chris Rose and Charlie Varley One dead in the Attic.
Re-Classifying Cold War Material. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Christopher Lee, and MSNBC Cold War information target of new blackout.
Court Ruling Favors Navy Vietnam Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Military.com and Terry Howell Court Expands Coverage for Vietnam Vets.
Levee Failure - "worst engineering failure in American history". Remy Benoit
Learn the facts!
Join and get updates on what is being done.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout They Called It Katrina.
From the AP and MSNBC Reports document post-Katrina failures.
Any American city could face destruction by the forces of nature. If we don't all stand behind New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast, what will happen to your town, your shoreline, your city when disaster strikes? There are still blue roofs in Florida two years later. Something is not being done right. We need to know what and do something about it, all of us. We say here, "We are Louisiana." We need to say "We are the United States and we take care of our own."
Thousands of Marines Being Called Back. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Marines to issue involuntary call-ups.
Have we considered what this does to them, to their familes?
Iraq 'a day at the beach'. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC McCain faults Bush administration on Iraq.
Mission Not Accomplished. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush shows pessimism on Iraq
President shifts tone as he makes case for U.S. policy.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From Metro West Daily News, Jon Brodkin and Veterans for America PTSD: Veterans say the illness is very real and very debilitating.
Iraq Soul Searching and Armies. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC American Psyche Is Iraq just the latest foreign battlefield for the United States to do some soul-searching?.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC ‘Shiite giant’ extends its reach
Sadr’s armed movement becomes pivotal force in fractured Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com General: Iran Training Shiite Insurgents.
From Reuters and MSNBC Report rips U.S. intelligence on Iran.
Another Mission Not Accomplished. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and Ron Walters Mission Not Accomplished.
Military to Explain How Loved Ones Were Lost. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Army Reviewing Casualty Reports.
And for those who have come home, some assistance.
From The VA Watch Dog, Frank Q. Nebeker, and Veterans for America Former Chief Judge of Veterans' Court Says Veterans Should be Allowed to Use Attorneys in the VA Claims Process.
From the San Antonio Express News and Veterans for America It's the Law: Returning Reservists and National Guard eterans Get Their Jobs Back.
Broken Levees and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Katrina’s damage lingers for Bush.
I believe there is a 4th image missing from this piece; the President in flight jacket saying "Mission Accomplished."
From Common Dreams and Emma Dixon Katrina Survivors Simply Blown Away.
From the Orange County Register, Blythe Bernard, and Veterans for America When War Never Ends.
Veterans Exposed to Atomic Radiation Decision. Remy Benoit
From Michael Doyle, McClatchy Newspapers, San Jose Mercury News and Veterans for America Veterans exposed to atomic radiation lose court ruling.
Rumsfeld Meets With 172nd Stryker Brigade Families. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld to GIs’ families: I’m not Santa Claus.
Do Take Hurricanes Seriously. Remy Benoit
Tropical Storm Ernesto seems to be headed to Cuba and then Florida. Just hearing about another hurricane is quite upsetting here in Louisiana. It is not just a storm that comes on through; it can have long, long term impact on lives and areas.
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan Impact of Katrina exodus felt far and wide.
For hurricane tracking Weather Underground.
From USA Today and David Jackson Bush returns again to Gulf Coast for Katrina anniversary.
From the New York Times, Frank Rich and Common Dreams Bush & Katrina: Return to the Scene of the Crime.
From the AP and MSNBC Levees could still fail in big storm, Corps warns.
From the AP and MSNBC New Orleans merchants struggle to rebound.
From the Palm Beach Post, Rachel Simmonsen and Teresa Lane in Florida Many still desperate to fix roofs.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Six U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq.
An Opinion Piece. Remy Benoit
From DarkSyde and the Daily Kos We Were Americans. This is a very blunt piece. Your comments are welcome.
Keep in mind, when a hurricane is coming, you are responsible for preparing yourself, your family, and your home for emergency, be that staying or leaving.
From Newsweek and Mark Hosenball and MSNBC It's Cheaper to Go Dutch
The Netherlands is expert at keeping itself dry. So why aren't U.S. bureaucrats seeking more of its help rebuilding the levees?.
Our appreciate to the people of the Netherlands who so graciously welcome our people from the Gulf Coast.
8 U.S. Soldiers Die Over Weekend. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraqi troops locked in deadly battle with militia.
From CNN 17 killed in Afghan suicide blast.
Taxes on the Trail of Tragedy. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Bob Sullivan, and Rising from the Ruins Losers on Both Sides of Property Auction.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams The Big Easy: Where Nothing is Easy.
From CNN and Eliott C. McLaughlin A year later, recovery in New Orleans not easy.
There are Memorial Services all around the Gulf Coast today. Our prayers are with those lost in the storm and with those who are so struggling to go on with their lives entangled in sluggishness, red tape, and yes, corruption too.
To those who are in the path of Ernesto, our prayers also for your safety. Taxes on the Trail of Tragedy. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Bob Sullivan, and Rising from the Ruins Losers on Both Sides of Property Auction.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams The Big Easy: Where Nothing is Easy.
From CNN and Eliott C. McLaughlin A year later, recovery in New Orleans not easy.
There are Memorial Services all around the Gulf Coast today. Our prayers are with those lost in the storm and with those who are so struggling to go on with their lives entangled in sluggishness, red tape, and yes, corruption too.
To those who are in the path of Ernesto, our prayers also for your safety. Weather Underground/Tropical.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From CNN Iran's leader calls for TV debate with Bush.
Open debate, preferable to open combat? What do you think?
'Oh how I miss New Orleans'. Remy Benoit
From Leonard Earl Johnson and Consumer Affairs
To Miss New Orleans The Beat Goes On, The Beaten Just Go.
She is our lady, she is coming back! We love her.
Rumsfeld; 'a new type of fascism'. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld: War critics have ‘moral ... confusion’.
Also in the news, from The Washington Post, Peter Baker and MSNBC Bush priorities clash with Kazakh’s visit
Autocrat Nazarbayev leads oil-rich country.
And from Ireland Online White House rejects Bush-Admadinejad debate idea.
Keith Olbermann on "moral and intellectual confusion". Remy Benoit
This is a video from Keith Olbermann in the tradition of Edward R. Murrow On Mr. Rumsfeld's Remarks.
Bush to Expand "Defeatist" Rhetoric. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Jim VandeHei, and MSNBC Bush team casts foes as defeatist
Blunt rhetoric signals a new thrust.
A time of war is a time for national unity, not name calling, not divisiveness. International diplomacy based on fear tactics is self-defeating.
From the AP and Truthout Rumsfeld: World Faces New "Fascism".
From the Arizona Daily Star Just who is actively manipulating whom?.
From the New York Times, Paul Von Zielbauer, and Veterans for America A Flick of a Lighter Kills Scores of Gas-Looting Iraqis.
From the Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and Veterans for America Iraqi Hospitals Are War's New Killing Fields.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and Yahoo News Bush to renew defense of war strategy.
From the AP and Military.com Democrats Take Fire at Rumsfeld.
Marine Recall. Remy Benoit
From the PBS News Hour and Margaret Warner
U.S. Marines to Recall 1,200 Reservists to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Poll indicates growing doubt. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Growing doubts in U.S. about military strategy.
From the New York Times, Edward Wong, and Truthout Attacks on Shiite Area in Baghdad Kill At Least 43.
From the New York Times, Andrew Rosenthal, and Common Dreams There Is Silence in the Streets; Where Have All the Protesters Gone?.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: US Must Win in Iraq.
From the Salt Lake City Tribune, Rebecca Walsh and Matthew D. LaPlante Old message, new style
Bush says war critics 'patriotic' - just wrong.
From Financial Times and Donald Dombey in London EU will continue nuclear talks with Tehran.
Katrina's Second Crisis. Remy Benoit
From TomPaine, Van Jones and James Rucker Katrina's Second Crisis.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is impacting in the Carolinas. Hurricane John threatens the Southwest. One never knows when his time is coming to be confronted with catastrophe. Be prepared. Be alert, and support legislation to provide real homeland security.
No confidence vote?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and Truthout Democrats Target Rumsfeld.
From the AP, Anne Plummer Flaherty and Yahoo News Rumsfeld reaches out to Democrats.
Pentagon Report. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Robert Burns and Yahoo News Pentagon gives gloomy Iraq report.
From the AP and Military.com DoD Releases Gloomy Iraq Report.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Give Voters a Choice About War.
From the Christian Science Monitor and Tom Regan Polls show opposition to Iraq war at all-time high Sixty percent also say terrorism is more likely in US because of Iraq.
Pentagon: Iraq. Remy Benoit
Distorted History. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times, Frank Rich, and Truthout Donald Rumsfeld's Dance With the Nazis.
From Correspondents Report and Kim Landers 9/11 anniversary has Bush on the backfoot.
Unbalanced Pay Scales. Remy Benoit
From the Boston Globe, Derrick Z. Jackson, and Common Dreams Soldiers Die, CEOs Prosper.
Something to think about this Labor Day Weekend.
Disturbing Numbers. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S. deaths in Iraq, war on terror surpass 9/11 toll.
From CNN Bush predicts victory in long struggle against terrorism.
More diplomacy is needed; more negotiations.
Deaths Continue to Mount In Iraq. Remy Benoit
Last two days claim 7 Coalition deaths, 5 of them Americans, plus many Iraqis.
From the AP and MSNBC More than 30 bodies found across Baghdad
Coalition reports deaths of 7 troops a day after terror leader arrested.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: Iraq has not Fallen Into Civil War.
From Military Families Speak Out andCommon Dreams Veterans and Military Families Hold Press Conference and Day of Events to Open Camp Democracy September 5th.
International Affairs. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush struggles to deliver As 9/11 anniversary approaches, foreign policy frustration seen.
From The Independent, UK, Tom Coghlan and Kim Sengupta and Truthout The War on Terror, Five Years on: An Era of Constant Warfare.
From the AP and Military.com Lawmakers Want DOD Changes.
From Military.com, Tom Philpott, and Abbey M. Brown Stryker Wives Admired.
From the AP, ABC, and Deb Reichmann Bush Warns on Foreign Oil Dependence.
You cannot keep outsourcing manufacturing and provide work for skilled labor.
Tool and die makers are important to any economy. If you are not familiar with the term, this will explain U. S. Dept of Labor Tool and Die Makers.
Down History Lane to the present with Executive Intelligence Review by Richard Freeman WALTER REUTHER'S 1940 PLAN.
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld calls for 'constructive' debate on Iraq
Defense Secretary goes on offensive after Democrats assail recent rhetoric.
From the AP and MSNBC GOP candidates stress independence from Bush.
Mercenaries Sue Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From The Virginian-Pilot, Bill Sizemore and Veterans for America Columbians Paid $1,000/month, Americans Paid $10,000/month.
Bush to Unveil New Plans. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush to unveil plan on Guantanamo prisoners.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush seeks coalition to solve N. Korea standoff.
From CNN
Bush: Bin Laden's intentions as clear as Hitler's.
From Jeff Edwards and Military.com A Tale of Two Sons.
From the New York Times, Michael R. Gordon, and Truthout Soldiers' Stories: Endurance Meets Doubt in Iraq.
Iraq - Get together or go under. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Speaker: Iraq has only months to avoid collapse.
Some views on all this from outside the U.S.
From Tom Paine and Rami G. Khouri, editor-at-large of the Beirut-based Daily Star Bush's Terror Tales.
From the Independent, UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams Another Fatal Day in the 'War on Terror'.
And from the Salt Lake Tribune, and Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City Transcript of Mayor Rocky Anderson's speech.
Geneva Accords. Remy Benoit
From CNN Top terror detainees to face military tribunals.
Secret Prisons Acknowledged. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush acknowledges secret CIA prisons.
From the AP and Military.com Al-Qaida No. 2 on Ice for Months.
And from the Guardian, UK, Jonathan Freedland, and Common Dreams a look at Blair, Bush, Terrorism, and War Blair's Legacy is a Reckless Adventure That's Wreaked Havoc the World over.
From the AP and Forbes Excerpts From Lawmakers' Letter to Blair.
And a Robert Greenwald Film Iraq for Sale.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer Roadside bomb kills Stryker Brigade soldier.
Anti-RPG. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Adam Ciralsky and Lisa Meyers Army shuns system to combat RPGs.
From MSNBC, Adam Ciralsky and Lisa Myers Did the Army favor Raytheon in anti-RPG bid?.
Ready by 2011? Another thing the troops need to wait for?
Shared Sacrifice, Not Profits. Remy Benoit
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Sarah Anderson, and Common Dreams Emphasis Should Be on Shared Sacrifice, Not Personal Gain.
From CNN Taliban claim deadly Kabul bombing.
From the AP and Globe and Mail White House shrugs off Khatami visit.
From ABC News and Jim Abrams Senate to Issue Iraq Intelligence Report.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush plans prime-time speech on 9/11.
Iraq, Saddam, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate report: No Saddam, al-Qaida link
Long-awaited analysis also finds that anti-Saddam group misled U.S..
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Military Leaders Want New Iraq Strategy.
From the AP, Jim Abrams, and Truthout Senate: Saddam Saw al-Qaida as Threat.
From Truthout and Larry C. Johnson Senate Intel Committee Bloodies Bush's Nose.
From The Guardian, UK, Simon Tisdale and Common Dreams Bush and Bin Laden Locked in an Embrace.
Chicken wings, tacos, cheese sticks. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, T. Christian Miller, and Truthout Halliburton Fraud Lawsuit Details Super Bowl Party.
Long time more in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Cheney: U.S. to be in Afghanistan a long time.
From Reuters and Yahoo News NATO states say will honor Afghan troop pledges.
From The Washington Post, Dana Priest and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Bin Laden trail goes ‘stone cold’.
From the Washington Monthly, Kevin Drum, and Truthout "He Would Fire the Next Person That Said That".
From the Duluth News Tribune and Jim Morrill and McClatchy Newspapers National security emerges, again, as a critical issue in politics.
5 Years Later. Remy Benoit
Today is Patriot Day, honoring those who met such a terrible end in the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and on United 93.
President Bush will speak tonight, once again, on the War on Terror.
Today, as they have for many, many months now, our troops are on active duty in Afghanistan and in Iraq. The numbers of KIA, WIA on both fronts continue to grow, as do the casualties of the civilian populations of both countries, and of their insurgents, both native and international. The insatiable gods of war are never sated.
From Iraq and the Stryker Brigade a reminder of the impact on the lives of those who serve, and those who love and miss them. From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC Straight to the Heart Battle Cries: For U.S. troops and their wives and children, the Iraq war's invisible costs just keep on piling up.
On a personal note to a couple of you stationed in Iraq - Brandon, your dog, Sally, whom we adopted, is doing fine! To Mike, the son of my folks' neighbor, to all of you in uniform, our prayers are with you.
From 2001, the Daily Show, and a Patriot with a strong voice, Jon Stewart Post 9/11. Bless you for this, Jon.
Where do we stand?. Remy Benoit
From CNN 9/11's 'astonishing unity' has given way to bitter partisanship.
While the partisanship drags on; while accusations are made back and forth, there remains a huge hole in the ground in New York; there remains New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as disaster areas. Two years after Ivan there are blue roofs in Florida.
Haven't been to Missouri and other areas impacted by tornadoes but I assume they need help.
Are our ports any safer; are our airways any safer?
Are we making real headway in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Are our Veterans getting the medical care they deserve?
Where exactly do we stand with ourselves?
What are your feelings on all of this? There is an election coming up. It is time to think about where you stand on all this.
From MSNBC and Keith Olbermann, an Opinion piece A Hole in the Ground.
President Bush's Speech on the 5th Anniversary of 9/11 Transcript.
Terrorism. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz and Michael Abramowitz and MSNBC Bush tries to win over war-weary nation
Five years after 9/11, his capacity to move public is weakened.
From MSNBC Gunmen attack U.S. Embassy in Damascus.
From Robert Bullard and Common Dreams Can Americans Trust the Government to Protect Them?
Lessons from the World Trade Center Ground Zero and the Aftermath of Katrina.
A Sense of History. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Evan Thomas, and MSNBC Reading Lessons Why Bush’s historical analogies don’t always hold up.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush tells group he sees a ‘Third Awakening’.
As to care for our Veterans:
From the AP and CNN VA report: There is no Gulf War syndrome.
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, and MSNBC Straight to the Heart.
From The Independent UK, Kim Sengupta, and Truthout Soldiers Reveal Horror of Afghan Campaign.
From Reuters and MSNBC Baghdad death squads kill 60 as bombs kill 22
Recovery of bound, tortured bodies highlights sectarian violence in capital.
From the AP and Military.com Army Combat Death Plan Revealed.
War, 9/11, Peace. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Rabbi Marc Gellman, and MSNBC A Prayer for After 9/11 In this time of bitter partisanship, America would do well to remember who its real enemies are.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush visiting Congress to get war support
Move follows internal GOP tension over interrogations, wiretapping.
From the AP, Mary Dalrymple, and Truthout GOP, Dems Spar Over Bush Speech on 9/11.
From Senator Byrd and Common Dreams I Hope That We May Find the Courage....
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
It is, indeed, 'confused thinking' to send troops to war without adequate equipment, without an exit plan.
It is untenable to not have adequate funding to help them recover when they come home injured physically, mentally, spiritually.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
With that in mind, VoteVets.
Powell Opposes Bush. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Powell blasts Bush’s plan for interrogations.
For those of you not familiar with it, this link from Answers.com will explain the Powell Doctrine.
The Power of Words. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Turkish official compares pope to Hitler
Politician joins outcry across Muslim world over pontiff's comments in Islam.
Murtha et.al.. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold and Truthout Murtha Lays the Dead at Rumsfeld's Door.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Truth is Again a War Casualty.
From MSNBC Facing revolt, Bush defends terror proposals
‘Time is running out,’ president says, rejecting criticism by Powell, others.
From The Washington Post and Truthout an Editorial from the Pos A Defining Moment for America.
General Colin L. Powell, USA Retired to Senator John McCain.
From the Kingston Daily Freeman, Katie Young, and Common Dreams Mall Sues War Protesters.
Sometimes truth is inconvenient, upsetting? Sorry to interupt your shopping with the reality of dying soldiers.
Papal Apology. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Pope sorry his Islam remarks found offensive.
This is the text of Pope Benedict's Speech Faith, Reason and the University Memories and Reflections.
From Newsweek, Jon Meacham, and MSNBC A Pope’s Holy War
By quoting a 14th-century Christian emperor on an ‘evil and inhuman’ Islam, Benedict XVI ignites a global storm. What was he thinking?.
Behind the Debate on Interrogation. Remy Benoit
From R. Jeffrey Smith, The Washington Post, and MSNBC Behind the debate, extreme techniques
Bush, CIA officials say harsh interrogation options are vital.
We need to decided who we are and tell that to our Congressman and the Administration.
From The Nation, Jeremy Brecher and Brendan Smith, and Truthout The Content of our Character.
This was the Democratic Plan suggested but not carried through for Real Security.
From The Washington Post, Rajiv Chandrasekaran, and MSNBC Ties to GOP trumped skill on Iraq team
In rebuilding effort, loyalty to Bush administration was paramount.
From the AP and CNN Analysts: Bush's cowboy image waning; world still wary.
The Tentacles of War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Violence takes toll on storied Baghdad street
City’s intellectual ground zero is shadow of what it once was.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. detainees abroad face a legal vacuum
14,000 languish in American hands with few rights or charges filed.
From the New York Times, Jim Rutenberg and Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Truthout Bush Says GOP Rebels Are Putting Nation at Risk.
From Newsweek, CC Goldwater, and MSNBC Goldwater Today CC Goldwater on what her grandfather would make of today’s GOP.
From the AP and Fox News Bombs in Iraq Kill at Least 24, Injure Over 80 in Northern City of Kirkuk.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Warren P. Strobel and John Walcott and Common Dreams In a Replay of Iraq, A Battle is Brewing Over Intelligence on Iran.
From The Daily News, The Front Page, Lisa L Colangelo and Michael Saul in New York
and Michael McAuliff in Washington No $2B for 9/11 heroes Senate dumps Hil's bid for med aid.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and Yahoo News Bush to head to U.N. with host of issues.
Positions on what we stand for. Remy Benoit
From The Nation, Jeremy Brecher and Brendan L. Smith, and Alternet Bush's Fight with Congress over Torture Defines Our Character.
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff and MSNBC ‘What Americans Stand For’ Sen. Lindsey Graham discusses why he is so opposed to President Bush’s plans on military tribunals and why the United States should never sanction torture.
From The Washington Post, Doug Struck, and MSNBC Canadian was falsely accused, panel says
Muslim held by U.S. was sent to Syria for interrogation.
From the AP and Military.com White House to Revise Terror Proposal.
From the AP and Military.com Bush to Promote Mideast Strategy.
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC and Countdown Bush owes us an apology.
From Foreign Policy in Focus, John Feffer, and Common Dreams Katrina: The Final Frontier.
The Rule of Law. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Charles Babington and Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC Detainee bill by GOP rebels may face filibuster
Frist warns opponents of Bush's proposal they must accept key provisions.
From Jurist, The University of Pittsburgh, and Jordan Paust of the University of Houston Law Center A Plea to Congress on Military Commission Procedures .
From the AP and Truthout Senators Want More Iraq Reports Declassified.
Positions Stated. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, and MSNBC U.S. policy on Iran evolves toward diplomacy
U.N. speech shows Bush more willing to engage in the difficult negotiations.
From NBC and MSNBC Iran’s president says Bush pushing for war
In NBC interview, Ahmadinejad claims U.S. still stuck in Cold War mindset. See also the interview with Brian Williams and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi forces take over from Italians in south
Dhi Qar is the second province to come under local control.
From CNN Bush would send troops inside Pakistan to catch bin Laden.
From Yahoo News Bill Clinton: U.S. should talk to Iran.
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Yahoo News Tug-of-war over interrogation tactics.
From the Los Angeles Times and Truthout No One Dares to Help.
From The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Jurist, and Alex Unkovic US House passes voter ID card legislation.
Down the Doughnut Hole: The Ravages of Plan D. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine and Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois The Face On The Doughnut Hole.
My folks are already in "hole."
How about yours?
There are 75,000,000 Boomers; many of us are already coming on fast to "Senior" status.
We have a voice, if we use it.
Let your members of Congress know these doughnuts need dunkin' and tossin' out.
We need a decent health care plan in this country. It is a priority issue.
Go here, growl with the Grey Panthers. on important health care issues.
From MSNBC Wal-Mart cutting generic drug prices in Florida.
We will remember in November.
Elizabeth Edwards: Saving Graces. Remy Benoit
Next Tuesday, September 26, Elizabeth Edwards' Saving Graces. will be released by Broadway Publishers.
As the wife of John Edwards, Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2004, a former Navy wife, and a survivor of breast cancer, Mrs. Edwards has a great deal to tell you about courage, about community, and, indeed, about Saving Graces.
Pakistan and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Musharraf: U.S. threatened to bomb Pakistan.
From CNN Deal on detainee treatment quells GOP revolt.
From the AP, Douglass K. Daniel, and MSNBC Torture in Iraq worse now than under Saddam?.
And from the AP and ABC News ABC News: Commerce Department Loses 1,137 Laptops.
Holy Days. Remy Benoit
Around the world Muslims and Jews begin the celebration and honoring of Holy Days. Perhaps this is a good time for all to reflect on cooperation and communication rather than mutual condemnation.
From The Washington Post, Caryle Murphy, and MSNBC Muslim convert observes Ramadan.
From Rabbi Marc Gellman and MSNBC A Rosh Hashana Wish.
Problem Areas?. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Edmund L. Andrews, and Truthout Suits Say US Impeded Audits for Oil Leases.
From Robert Kennedy Jr., Rolling Stone, and Truthout Will the Next Election Be Hacked?.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush aims to calm fray between two key allies
He’ll meet anti-terror partner Musharraf amid Afghan-Pakistan strains.
From the New York Times an Editorial at Truthout A Bad Bargain.
Where do we as citizens stand on this? It is a question to which we need to pay attention as it in part defines who we are.
Robert Kennedy Jr. On Voting. Remy Benoit
From Robert Kennedy Jr., Rolling Stone, and Truthout Will the Next Election Be Hacked?.
You need to read this.
Walls and Trenches for Baghdad?. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Rod Nordland, and MSNBC Berming Baghdad.
From Countdown and MSNBC Clinton: We must get back to thinking
Former President Bill Clinton sits down with 'Countdown's' Keith Olbermann.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. fatalities in war equal those from Sept. 11
Military deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan reach 2,973.
PTSD and Geneva Accords. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com More War Vets Suffering From Stress.
From Patrick McElwee, Just Foreign Policy, and Common Dreams The Power of Public Opinion.
From Reuters, Vicki Allen, and Truthout Democrats Wary of Detainee Trials Compromise.
The public voice must also keep up a constant demand for proper, longterm, and respectful treatment of our Veterans.
From Reuters, Randall Mikkellsen, and Truthout Bill Clinton Warns Against Torture Approval.
From Tom Paine and William Fisher Torture Exhibit A.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and Yahoo News Bush praises Afghan, Pakistani allies.
Down History Lane: Geneva Convention. Remy Benoit
With all the talk about the Conventions realting to Prisoners of War, perhaps it would do well to just read them. They speak for themselves, quite clearly.
A Treaty is a legally binding obligation.
From the University of Minnesota Human Rights Library.
Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 135, entered into force Oct. 21, 1950.
FEMA Trailers New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Perhaps if Congress was working out of 8' x 30' FEMA trailers the membership just might be more active in getting things done and listening to a nation that is overwhelmingly expressing disapproval. There comes a time when each and everyone of us has to take a stand and that includes members of Congress.
Somehow we still don't seem to understand as a nation that if you make Veterans, you care for them properly, and with respect, when they come home. And you don't make Veterans wantonly.
We will remember in November.
President Hamid Karzai . Remy Benoit
Balances of Power. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times, Peer Wallsten, and Truthout Falwell Says Faithful Fear Clinton More Than Devil.
From the AP, Nedra Pickler, and ABC
Intel: War Has Worsened Terror Threat.
From the LA Times, an Editorial Two-Tiered Torture Standards.
Go Saints!!. Remy Benoit
From Nola.com and Jeff Duncan READY FOR KICKOFF Just one year after its near-demise, the Superdome emerges in better shape than before the storm.
New Orleans is coming back!
From Nola.com and Gwen Filosa N.O. neighborhood plans unveiled But total price tag exceeds $2 billion.
Not so much for a vital U.S. city and port. Compare that with the costs of war.
There are still thousands waiting to come home. Thousands in trailers. The holidays are coming in a time that is still difficult. Please keep in mind Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Acadian.
It is one year today since Rita followed Katrina here on the Gulf Coast.
The President and the Human Costs of War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Bush keeps his war anguish hidden.
From the Baltimore Sun, Leonard Pitts Jr., and Common Dreams Powell Belatedly Joins Bid to Save Our Nation's Soul.
Today's CNN Poll. has 96% dissatisfaction with the role of Congress this year, so far.
From CNN Bill Clinton: I got closer to killing bin Laden.
From the AP and Military.com Iraqi Troops Hinder U.S. Efforts.
Staying in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. Army extends 4,000 tours of duty in Iraq.
From the AP and CNN Democrats: Leaked intel shows U.S. needs new leadership.
Legislation Debates. Remy Benoit
From UPI and Shaun Waterman Analysis: Habeas may stymie torture deal.
From Joseph Dale Robertson HABEAS CORPUS THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY WRIT.
From ABC and Nedra Pickler
Specter Decries Detainee Bill Provision.
From Wikipedia Habeas Corpus.
U.S. Constitution Article I Section 9 Clause 2:
" The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."
Retired Officers, the Army, and Mr. Rumsfeld. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Retired Officers Criticize Rumsfeld.
From The LA Times, Peter Spiegel, and Common Dreams Army Warns Rumsfeld It's Billions Short.
Calls to Disclose Intel Report. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Disclose intelligence report, key lawmakers ask
Momentum builds after N.Y. Times report about classified document.
From CNN Poll: Terrorism, Iraq very important to midterm voters.
Also "heating up" is our planet! From ABC, Clayton Sandell and Bill Blakemore Earth Headed for Warmest Temps in a Million Years.
From ABC News, tonight, New Orleans remembers as the Superbowl hosts the Saints home game for the first time since Katrina. New Orleanians Remember Katrina.
The Saints Came Marching Home!!. Remy Benoit
What a glorious night for New Orleans!!
70,000+ were there to watch the Saints victory over the Falcons but more importantly to help get the heart of the city beating again.
I know many of you who are not from New Orleans have difficulty understanding why rebuilding the Superdome, why this home game, was so important.
A year ago the Superdome was a bowl of misery in a sea of a flooded city.
Last night the courage, the heart, the spirit that is New Orleans was glowing with intense light and heat.
As the commercials here say, "WE ARE LOUISIANA."
New Orleans is not only a vital port city, she is a unique gem and we love her.
Congratulations to the Saints. To the players on the Falcon team, your graciousness last night post-game was awesome to watch. Thank you!
From Nola.com and Jeff Duncan WHAT A SHOW! ELECTRIFYING SAINTS ROUT FALCONS; NOW 3-0.
Those of you still out there, come on home to New Orleans, she needs you!
Paul Reickhoff. Remy Benoit
From Paul Reickhoff and the IAVA New York Times: Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff on ush's Reinterpretation of Geneva Conventions.
Report /Pending Legislation. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Intel report: Iraq a ‘cause célèbre’ for extremists
President says NIE leak was political, denies war has worsened terrorism.
From CNN NIE: Al Qaeda 'damaged,' becoming more scattered.
From Inside Defense.com and Military.com Cost of War: $550 Billion and Counting.
From Senator Patrick Leahy and Tom Paine Showdown Over Habeas.
From Truthout Letter From Intelligence and Military Professionals on Use of Torture.
From Newsweek, Pat Wingert, and MSNBC ‘Letting Students Down’ A new study finds that even top undergraduates are woefully ignorant of history and civic government.
If our students do not know their own history, how can we possibly expect them to function as voters when the problems are of international and global concern? I have, for decades, be cautioning the negative results that would come from "Social Studies," from "feel good history." We need to teach our students real history, world cultures, law, philosophy, literature, art, music, and yes, ecology too.
An informed citizenry is absolutely necessary to a well functioning democracy.
I highly suggest consideration of the thoughts in this book. The Battle for Peace by Tony Zinni and Tony Koltz.
As they used to say in the kids' reading program - Book It. It is amazing what you can learn when you study.
Fear, Distrust, Violence. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Distrust divides Iraqi neighbors
In mixed neighborhood, violence defies peaces efforts.
From CNN Musharraf: Iraq war makes world more dangerous.
From the AP, The Houston Chronicle, and Katherine Shrader Terror analysis fuels Iraq war debate.
Supper with President Bush and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and the Arizona Daily Star U.S. is with you, Bush tells Karzai.
From CNN Saudis plan fence to block Iraq's terrorists.
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Polls: Most Iraqis favor U.S. withdrawal Nearly three-quarters say they’d feel safer if U.S., other forces left.
From the AP, Andrew Taylor, and Truthout House OKs $70 Billion for Iraq, Afghanistan.
From Reuters and Truthout House Passes Bush's Interrogation Bill.
From The LA Times, Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein, and Truthout Our Pathetic Congress.
Some Construction Problems?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Heralded Iraq police academy a 'disaster'.
From Ivan Eland and Military.com Clouding Intelligence Analysis.
From Reuters AlertNet and Human Rights Watch Afghanistan: Bush, Karzai, Musharraf Must Act Now To Stop Militant Abuses.
From the AP, Military.com, and Veterans for America VA Underestimates Care Costs of Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Detainee Bill Passes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate passes bill on terror detainee trials.
House Approval. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC House approves wiretap law.
West Point 9/11 Class Loss. Remy Benoit
From Time, Nathan Thornburgh, and CNN A Death in the Class of 9/11.
Bob Woodward: State of Denial. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, William Hamilton, and MSNBC Book says aide urged Bush to fire Rumsfeld.
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe, and MSNBC The Bob Woodward Effect.
Sunday, October 1. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Anne Plummer, Flaherty, and Yahoo News Congress sends Bush terror tribunal bill.
From the AP and MSNBC NATO to manage U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
From Newsweek and MSNBC State of Denial Excerpts. State of Denial: Bust at War Part III.
From CNN Deadly bomb shakes Baghdad after curfew ends.
We need to be aware that the United States is in the process of losing 25% of nation's coastal wetlands here in Louisiana. For the whole, heartbreaking story, please, for the welfare of the whole country, read Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast. This is a MUST read for everyone interested in the preservation of our environment. When you have read it, write, call, e-mail your Senators and Representatives as to what needs to be done to preserve these wetlands. Thanks so much!
VFA's Garret Reppenhagen Speaks on PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America VFA's Garret Reppenhagen Speaks on PTSD.
Edward Tick: War and the Soul.
Job Searches for Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Military.com The Largest Veteran Job Board in the World.
PTSD and Iraq Veterans. Remy Benoit
From U.S. News and World Report, Betsey Streisand, and Veterans for America Thousands of soldiers have post-traumatic stress disorder. Will they get the help they need?.
Reactions to Woodward's State of Denial. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Andrea Mitchell, and MSNBC White House fighting claims in 'State of Denial'
But admissions also surface that book's claims are true.
From The Washington Post, Dan Eggen, Robin Wright, and the San Francisco Chronicle Ex-CIA chief told panel he warned Rice of al Qaeda threat.
From the AP, Deb Riechmann, and Yahoo News Bush says Democrats shouldn't be trusted.
From CNN Hastert ignores call to resign amid Foley fallout.
From Fox News 9 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Attacks Around Baghdad in Two Days.
From Fox News and James Rosen Rice Offered to Resign Following Bush's 2004 Re-Election.
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and SF Gate Rumsfeld Says He Won't Resign.
Karen De Young: Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell.
Bob Woodward: State of Denial.
Tony Zinni: The Battle for Peace.
Douglas Brinkley: The Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Just in case you need one...... Remy Benoit
Everyday we are besieged with negatives but there are nice things out there. It is said that to be healthy, we need ten hugs a day. Well, from youtube.com here 'ya go! Free Hugs.
60th Anniversary PVA. Remy Benoit
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Don't forget them, they went to protect you.
Women Soldiers Dying in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and David Gregory Women fight from the front in war on terror
They're banned from ground combat, but still dying in record numbers.
Frist and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Nancy Zuckerbrod, and Yahoo News Democrats assail Frist's Afghan comments.
When Naming Your Baby Takes on a Whole New Meaning. Remy Benoit
From NBC's Blogging Baghdad and Jane Arraf Naming a baby Ali or Omar? It Matters.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Violence Leaves at Least 51 Dead.
From Military.com Bill Would Boost Guard and Reserve Benefits.
Ahmadinejad Opens Nuclear Facilities to Foreign Tourists. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Iran opens nuke plants to tourists.
Afghanistan 5 Years In. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Jim Miklaszewski, and MSNBC U.S. is at critical crossroads in Afghanistan.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Sameer N. Yacoub, and Truthout Iraqi Police Unit Linked to Militias.At least 17 Soldiers have died since Saturday, including 8 U.S. Troops.
13 U.S. Troops Died in Baghdad Since Monday. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC 13 U.S. troops killed in Baghdad in last 3 days.
We don't see them come home but we feel the impact of their loss.
U.S. Says No to N. Korean Nukes. Remy Benoit
From CNN Blunt U.S. warning to North Korea.
From Yahoo News Moscow to try prevent N.Korea nuke test.
Signing Statement, Baghdad, and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC President asserts power to edit privacy reports.
From the AP and MSNBC Battle for Baghdad ‘a critical point’ in the war.
From the AP and Military.com NATO Takes Over in Afghanistan.
From the AP and Fox News High-Level Meeting in London Expected to Refer Iran to U.N. Over Nukes.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Jack Jacobs In a fake country, still real problems for the U.S..
From MSNBC and Kerry Sanders A challenging journey is nowhere near finished.
Legislative Wrap-Up. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America
109th Congress Legislative Wrap-Up.
There are very important issues here like treatment for brain trauma. Please learn what this is all about and let your voice be heard.
Remnants of Lives. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Josh White, and MSNBC Picking up the pieces of slain troops' lives.
This is a very graphic piece bringing home to us, once again, that these remnants were once the belongings of those we loved gone off to war.
From MSNBC Soldiers question when Iraqis will take the lead.
Perhaps the media should be spending more time seeking an answer to their question.
For a Marine's eye view of Iraq day to day, from a Marine and Time A Letter from Iraq.
The View on Iraq from U.K. Home Secretary Blunkett. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.K. tried to curb U.S. on Iraq, ex-minister says
Blunkett: Britain was incapable of stopping war plans by Cheney, Rumsfeld.
Sunday Morning. Remy Benoit
It is Sunday morning and a long weekend with the Columbus Day holiday.
Once upon a time, a long time, but not so very long ago, in another troubled time with our troops on the line, Gene Roddenberry took us Where no one had gone before.
In a situation that seemed untenable, unmanageable, and without solution, the ever energetic, and optimistic Captain James T. Kirk solved the impossible situation of the Kobayashi Maru.
by “thinking outside of the box.”
He changed the variables, solved the problems.
We, on the other hand, seem to refuse to get out of the groove. Watching, listening, to the news coverage, such as it is, is like being trapped on an old record that just can’t seem to go on.
We need to think outside the box, because we have BIG BIG problems with which to deal. I recall an episode of Star Trek where Bones said, and I am paraphrasing here, ‘Jim, you do what you always do; you bring life out of death.’
We need to think of life, of light, of progress instead of stagnation, fear, name calling, and sheer willful stubbornness. We cannot go on with the ‘them’ and ‘us’ kind of thinking. Congress is there to serve us, not themselves, not any one person, or ideology.
It is vital to the interests of the US that they remember that, stop bickering, stop pork barrrelling, and serve US.
Instead, to date:
We have been barraged with scandal from D.C. the circumstances of which should have
been tended to a long, long time ago and never let to continue. From The Miami Herald and Carl Hiassen Foley contrite, but only after he got caught.
Meanwhile, the numbers of casualties in Iraq continue to grow, both wounded and killed, military and civilian. From The Washington Post, Anne Scott Tyson and MSNBC American casualties in Iraq rise sharply
Growing U.S. role in staving off civil war leads to most wounded since 2004.
You can help them, help their familes. Operation Home Front. I know it is hard to understand how many we are losing in Iraq, in Afghanistan, when we do not see them come home this time, but we are losing them. Get that.
Partisan politics, fear politics, rule the day. Also from The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC The return of the grim speaker
Cheney is back with doom speech casting Democrats as danger to security.
Yesterday I was doing the errands. The stores are stocked for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. People went about their normal business, examining this and that ornament, decoration, etc. for the coming holidays. And yet, there are so many problems, one of which that they may face if they try to get home for the holidays. From Paperchase and Jurist GAO report highlights terrorism watch list errors.
North Korea, Iran, and Georgia, are on the list of situations to watch critically.
From the AP and CNN NK 'may drop test if U.S. holds talks'.
From Newsweek, Anatol Lieven, and MSNBC War in the Caucasus?
The dispute between Georgia and Russia has all the makings of a tragic conflict..
From Forbes and AFX News Limited Iran backs OPEC moves for production cut – report.
While those things are all there to ponder, here we are, well over a year since the devastation of Katrina, and a great American city still has HUGE problems. From the New York Times, Adam Nossiter, and Truthout New Orleans Population Is Reduced Nearly 60%.
So, like any other time, we need to choose.
It will soon be time to hang stockings on the mantle. Do we want the proverbial 'you didn’t do well' chunk of coal in our stocking, or do we want prosperity, compassion, solutions to difficult problems, and the bringing of life over death to all the world.
Columbus Day. Yes, he had an attitude problem, yes, he did many things with cruelty, lack of vision, definite lack of compassion. But, he had a dream. He did not sit in his bathtub murmuring ‘poor me, I have nuthin’ with which to fulfill my dream.’ He got himself three scrawny boats, crossed the ocean-sea, and found a New World that he could not even begin to understand the potential of.
Now it is up to us to live up to that potential.
You can start here and tell Congress to show some gratitude by way of health care
Take Action Slashing Traumatic Brain Injury Funding.
Then try this one. Native American Veterans Cemetery Act.
Don’t say "I am only one person." Say "I am a person with a vote, a voice, a telephone, e-mail, snail mail, and I will be heard."
Your country, your troops, THE WORLD NEEDS YOU.
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!
You may comment here, and/or express your views at Welcome Home Soldier's sister site The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
If you would like to help support this site, please, just click on Donate and do the Pay Pal thing.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Nuclear Test. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC U.N. council rebukes N. Korea over nuke claim.
Many of us grew up constantly going through drill scenarios, taking our woolen coats from pegs in cloak rooms and going to sit under them in hallways
wondering if 'the big one' was on its way.
It is a rotten way to grow up.
Isn't it time we went beyond this scenario?
We know what they can do. Why don't we get that?
Some of you may be watching this CBS show Jericho.
that depicts the day that everything changes.
Perhaps we need those reminders.
Trident Ploughshares Anti-nuclear groups sign ’Helensburgh Treaty’.
We have been given guardianship of something very precious, our planet. We, again, need to think outside the traditional box to fulfill that guardianship.
Down History Lane:
Dwight D. Eisenhower December 8, 1953 Atoms for Peace.
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This is a classic that the new generation should not miss!
And READ, DO READ this vintage book.
Pat Frank: Alas, Babylon.
Perhaps this book Nevil Shute: On the Beach. is one of the 'whys' of this Nuclear Free Australia.
Helen Caldicott.
Problem Area. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler and Peter Baker, and MSNBC ‘Axis of evil’ comes back to haunt U.S. Bush White House has reached crisis point with N. Korea, Iran and Iraq.
From Cleveland and The Plain Dealer N. Korea goes nuclear. It's late, but not too late, to stir some rationality and restraint via targeted sanctions and talking sense to the North Koreans.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. won't hold direct talks with North Korea
Pyongyang threatens more nuclear tests even amid world condemnation. When we were in school, weren't we always told that if there was a problem we should 'talk it out?'
From the AP and MSNBC Another 60 bodies found on Baghdad’s streets
Bullet-riddled bodies apparently latest victims of sectarian death squads.
From the AP, Liz Sidoti, and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Democrats assail Bush's N. Korea policy.
And From Truthout's Managing Editor, Scott Galindez, an Editorial
All Nine Nuclear Powers Are Violating Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Navy Officer Has to Retire. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Common Dreams Paper: Detainee Lawyer Must Leave Navy.
As the daughter of a Navy Medic, as an American, thank you for your service, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Swift.
What They Are Saying. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Disputed study claims 655,000 Iraqi deaths.
From the LA Times and Bruce Wallace United in Their Protests, Not Their Politics.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain criticizes Bill Clinton on North Korea.
From CNN N. Korea sees U.S. pressure as 'act of war'.
What They Are Saying. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Disputed study claims 655,000 Iraqi deaths.
From the LA Times and Bruce Wallace United in Their Protests, Not Their Politics.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain criticizes Bill Clinton on North Korea.
From CNN N. Korea sees U.S. pressure as 'act of war'.
Press Conference. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Bush calls North Korea nuclear test a ‘threat’.
Perhaps instead of speaking about North Korea, we need to, as the UN suggests, as well as many other countries, we need to speak with Korea. Third hand conversations always lose much, especially in translation. We have a Secretary of State, we have a diplomatic corps.
David Kuo "Tempting Faith". Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Jonathan Larsen Exclusive: Book says Bush just using Christians.
All Kinds of Questions. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Scott Shane, and Truthout Data Suggests Vast Costs Loom in Disability Claims.
From The New York Times, Jimmy Carter, and Truthout Solving the Korean Stalemate, One Step at a Time.
From The Washington Post, Dana Milbank, and MSNBC Bush couches bad news around small talk.
From CNN U.S. to propose NK sanctions.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and ABC Army: Troops to Stay in Iraq Until 2010.
From Fox News and Susan Estrich Godless Meets Soulless in the Coulter Culture.
From the AP and CBS Economists Group: Boost Minimum Wage.
From the AP and Military.com Bomb Blasts Injure 19 in Afghanistan.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Death Toll Study has Mixed Reaction.
From DefenseTech.org Bush: Space is for Soldiers.
Ron Kovic: Breaking the Silence of the Night. Remy Benoit
From Ron Kovic Common Dreams and Truthdig Breaking the Silence of the Night.
Read Ron Kovic's New Introduction to Born on the 4th of July re-released by Akashic Books.
My Hero Project: Peacemaker Ron Kovic.
Akashic Books: Born on the 4th of July.
Video: Born on the 4th of July.
If you do not yet know Ron Kovic's story, it is time you do.
More American Voices. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe and Holly Bailey, and MSNBC 2nd-Term Blues.
From The New York Times and Jimmy Carter Solving the Korean Stalemate, One Step at a Time.
From MSNBC and Truthout Why Does Habeas Corpus Hate America By Keith Olbermann.
44 Troops KIA in October in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC U.S. casualties surge amid worsening violence.
British Army Chief Calls for Pullout from Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN British Army chief calls for Iraq pullout.
More Abramoff Ties. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, James V. Grimaldi and Susan Schmidt, and MSNBC Report says nonprofits sold clout to Abramoff.
Injuries Sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America, Democracy Now, Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez, and Paul Sullivan Figures Showing 1 in 4 US Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Disabled From Service?.
Ney Pleads Guilty and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rep. Ney pleads guilty in lobbying scandal.
From First Read and MSNBC Abramoff to Prison Next Month.
From the LA Times and Peter Wallsten Book: Bush Aides Called Evangelicals 'Nuts'.
From The Chicago Sun-Times and Dave Newbart Bush: I am proud to be standing with Hastert.
From USA Today Opinionline North Korea puts U.N. to the test.
From the LA Times and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Medicare Drug Premiums Will Rise for Many.
Wake UP America, Your Veterans Need You. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Beefcake Calendar Helps Wounded Vets.
What does this say of us that our Marines have to do this to help their brothers and sisters?
How can we make Veterans and not care for them when they come home?
Ask your Representatives and Senators that question.
Please.
Ask yourself that question and then contact those who vote on this for you, for your daughters, sons, wives, and husbands in harm's way.
Ask yourself the question, and then make the call.
Stand up for our Veterans. Be there for them - NOW.
Where Things Are This Morning. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC White House upbeat about GOP prospects
Self-assurance of Rove, Bush and others is not shared by many in party.
From the AP and MSNBC 26 Sunnis killed in Iraq sectarian attacks
U.S. military reports the deaths of one Marine, four soldiers.
From Time, J.F.O. McAllister, Sally B. Donnelly, and CNN A Revolt of the Generals?
A top British commander speaks candidly about the grim outlook in Iraq. But will his more reticent American peers follow his lead?.
From the BBC, Pam O'Toole, and Truthout Iraqis "Fleeing Rising Violence".
From the AP and MSNBC Enforcement of U.N. sanctions could be difficult
Despite resolution’s approval, crucial divisions over North Korea linger.
From ABC News Ban Ki-Moon: Rice Should Talk with North Korea.
From CBS News Surge Of Violent Clashes In Afghanistan
NATO Soldiers Killed In Ambush; Photographer And Assistant Kidnapped.
Paul Sullivan on Care of Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Veterans For America's Paul Sullivan on CNN.
With approximately 200,000 recent war Veterans, and those from previous wars, will we be prepared to provide for them?
Only if YOU insist we do.
Please, do that NOW.
Earthquake in Hawaii. Remy Benoit
From the Hawaii Reporter
Hawaii Rocked by 6.5 Earthquake.
From The San Francisco Chronicle and Cecelia M. Vega Paradise rocked -- Hawaii jolted by 6.6 earthquake
Temblor, 40 aftershocks cause landslides and power failures -- governor declares disaster.
From CNN Hawaii resident: 'Our whole house was rocking'.
Once again our people face a major hit from nature.
Once again, we need to help each other.
FEMA representatives were on the way on Sunday. No comment on that. Perhaps it will go better in that area this time.
Powell. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and Gary Kamiya A Closer Look at Colin Powell: The Evil of Banality.
From Answers.com Powell Doctrine.
Karen De Young: Soldier.
An Interview with Jerry Wennstrom. Remy Benoit
Jerry Wennstrom is an astonishing man as well as an extremely talented artist. All of us can learn from the path that Jerry has chosen for his life and work.
From Mythic Imagination Institute Brenda Sutton Interview with Jerry Wennstrom: Follow Your Path.
Privacy Lost - Concerned but Little Action. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bob Sullivan On privacy, talk and actions are poles apart.
We are "concerned" about many things; our Veterans, our schools, minimum wage,the cost of housing, groceries, gas, heating fuel, security, poverty, abuse in all its forms, our children, our Constitution. The list is quite long.
And yet, so many do nothing but express concern over dinner.
In a democracy we have the right, indeed, the obligation to do something.
The Internet Belongs to Us, NOT Corporate America. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine, Bill Moyers and Scott Fogdall Against An Imperial Internet.
Again, now is the time to speak up for your rights!
Bush Signs Detainee Bill. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush terror bill signing a major victory
'High-value' suspects could face trial in next few months.
U.S> Troops Back in Balad. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. forces return to help Iraqis stem violence
Troops back in Balad after spate of killings; Iraqi gov’t fires thousands.
9 Troops Die in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. military says 9 troops killed in Iraq
4 soldiers killed in single incident; more than 60 GIs killed so far this month.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Michael A. Fletcher, and MSNBC Elections could leave Bush lame duck
Advisers bracing for possible shift in balance of power.
From CNN and Joshua Levs Iraq reality check: The cost in lives lost.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Approves Military Pay Raise.
From Proceedings, Secretary of the Navy Lehman, and Military.com Five Years Later: Are We Any Safer?.
From Truthdig, Molly Ivins, and Common Dreams Iraq Follows Vietnam Model.
Numbers Growing. Remy Benoit
From AP and MSNBC 10 U.S. troops killed during one day in Iraq
4 GIs killed in single incident; with 69 slain, October on pace for grim record.
We need to continue asking what is being done to end this? Once upon a time we asked loud and clear; we seem to be voiceless now and I wonder why?
Reserve Marines Going Back to Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Marines to send reserve battalions back to Iraq
Rumsfeld OKs unannounced plan to recall forces for second tours of duty.
Eleven. Remy Benoit
From The San Jose Mercury News and Nancy A. Youssef 11 more U.S. troops reported killed in Iraq.
American Dream?. Remy Benoit
From CNN and its readers Your e-mails: Chasing the American dream.
And how far does the dream go? From Times Online UK and Bronwen Maddox America wants it all - life, the Universe and everything.
Not treating the MS wetlands with respect. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Stuckey Army Corps proposes easing Gulf wetlands rule
Anger greets plan to let developers skip permits to speed Katrina recovery.
What is it that we don't get with caring for the wetlands?
How long can we go on just lining pockets rather than protecting our environment?
If we think today only of today and not tomorrow, we will have no tomorrow.
This is a book people need to read Mike Tidwell: Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast.
We are caretakers of the planet; we truly need to take that role seriously.
Violence grows in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Iraq militias splintering into radicalized cells
New groups appear more ruthless in use of violence.
It is always interesting to read about how things are viewed in a variety of states. As my Granny was born in Butte, Montana, way back in 1895, I keep an eye on what is being said there. Governor Brian Schweitzer is a very interesting man.
From Rolling Stone and Tim Dickinson, a little ways Down History Lane, Schweitzer on Iraq.
If you don't know much about the history of Montana, well, let's start here in Butte Butte's Far Eastern Influences by George Everett.
How about the Butte connection with a West Point man named Bradley? The Captain Who Fought World War I in Butte, Montana.
I miss you Granny! This one is for you, Marion Eva Domenica Benoit
I enter the house through the vestibule adjoining a sun porch whose filtered rays have not warmed anyone since I was a child.
The faded, old, flower print sofa still rests there with its sagging cushions and pillows casually tossed, when?
Leaving its light behind, I step inside the door to the darkness of heavy furniture in a drape shrouded living room that serves as a formal antechamber to Grandmother's apartment. My fingers run across the surface of the harsh horsehair sofa and pick up images of my cousin and I sitting, one on each end, young feet not reaching the floor, not allowed to cross the middle line, told to behave properly. The shadowed light falls on the silver and amber cordial set on the server; the cordial set that now rests in my china closet.
I choose not the banistered steps that lead up to the second and third floors but open instead the heavily draped French doors that lead to her bedroom. Two dressers, a heavy mahogany bed, towering mirrored armoire, and triptych silvered dressing table crowd the room. There are no signs of the man who once shared it. Every surface is covered with female trappings of feathers, hats, letters, jewelry, gloves.
Grandmother sits, her back slightly bent with her 63 years, at her dressing table. She is unaware of my presence. The air is sweet, heavy with her fragrance, tied to the inseparable aroma of coffee simmering two rooms away. I have never known a time when that pot, filled with grounds, egg shells and salt, wasn't simmering. There is complete silence in the room and time is suspended as I look beyond Eva to the top of her dressing
table. There rest fancy glass perfume bottles, jars of guaranteed freckle vanishing creams, and an ordinary kitchen glass filled with water. A long, rat-tailed comb sits in the water. Hairpins of various shapes are scattered amidst lipsticks, rouges, and a pink powder puff in a round box of loose facial powder.
The rising and falling of my breathing is the only movement in the room until the left side of the dressing mirror shimmers and fills the room with light. The Eva who is sitting there now is in the full bloom of young womanhood, golden red hair cascading down a straight back. I follow those gray, sparkling eyes to where they see a young woman who left behind a youth spent helping to raise five brothers and sisters. I see the girl's brief flirtation with the escape of becoming a nun. There is the promise of love for a tall dark-haired man; she the chambermaid, he the million dollar bell-hop sporting spats and a walking stick. They come together for a little while, joined in need for experiences, for adventure; joined in marriage. I feel the pain of them torn apart by his obsession with gambling.
Eva's eyes move, this time to the center mirror, the light dimming a little, her hair done up in a crown of rat supported curls. Divorced now, traveling with her daughter, a touring actress, she is doing Uncle Tom's Cabin. A box of Valentine chocolates follows her from post box to post box, arriving, cracked and dried. Her touring company folds, her shoulders curve forward a little. The light grows dimmer.
I watch her walk into an Iowa restaurant, holding in her hand a sign that reads Waitress Wanted. She needs the job. The Armenian widower behind the gleaming glass counter, standing in front of rows of sparkling glasses, is smitten with her luxurious hair, her sparkling gray eyes, her intensity. She takes the job, his heart, and his hand in marriage.
He sells his restaurants. Together they back plays that fold in the night like gypsy camps.
Her acting is now to fit herself into a new role in a new place.
They come to Philadelphia in an old red truck with a daughter, a big German Shepard dog, and a yellow canary. There is no money for even one more gallon of gas. Odd jobs, a down payment borrowed from a sister, puts them in a three story house, with servant stairs.
This house.
I watch her run this boarding house for twenty-five years. This bedroom becomes her refuge, her tomb. Her back bends more, the grey eyes loose their light, become somber and dark.
They move beyond the vanity, past the chenille spread on the bed, to the dark armoire. Inside one of its open doors hangs an old rose boa and a new pastel, silk robe.
Eva turns and sees me.
We leave the bedroom, walk through her sitting room and sit down at the table in the kitchen.
This is her stage. Here she entertains, her right leg bouncing to keep her circulation going.
The coffee pot gurgles. On the table sits an oversized sugar bowl. Her insulin is in the refrigerator.
Eva hums, mixing Beautiful Dreamer. and The Prison Song.. I gaze out the only uncovered window at the pansies that grow in profusion, the only flowers that grew within miles of her birthplace in Butte, Montana.
I am fifteen when Eva dies. That was forty-five years ago. The house has long been sold, with the armoire. The dressing table is gone, as are her travel diaries, the silk robe, the boa.
But there is that one day, just before her show moves on for its final curtain, when she looks at me and says, I am going to buy a trailer, go out West to look for those spats, that walking stick.
She holds my eyes across the table, grins, says Never say never, and pours another cup of coffee, no sugar.
Those are words I taught my children. Eva had a few other truisms she taught me. I have passed them on also. When whatever is too much, walk away from it for awhile, and Never burn bridges. These ideas would work well in governance and foreign policy as well as in private life.
We all have stories; please do share some of yours with us.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
White House Says No to Partition. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC White House rejects proposal to partition Iraq.
From the AP and Military.com Gloomy Assessment of Baghdad Op.
From the New York Times, Adam Nagourney and Jim Rutenberg, and Common Dreams Tables Turned for the G.O.P. Over Iraq Issue.
War has always been a "politcal issue." Yet people are dying, being permanently injured in mind, body, spirit. That is not an election issue. That is a human issue.
Yesterday it was reported that 11 U.S. troops died. 11 is a number. Troops are not numbers, but like Iraqi civilians are people with lives that end abruptly and cruelly.
The Congress gave clearance for this endeavor. The responsibility is shared. Politicking is not the answer. The search for an answer is the problem that should be being addressed.
Tell us what your answers are rather than name calling each other.
Lives are at stake in war. We need to remember that at the ballot box, not who had the brightest smile and ease with vapid words.
Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From CNN Legendary pilot 'Earthquake McGoon' heads home.
North Korea. Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Christian Caryl Back to Baghdad As a correspondent discovers after a long absence from Iraq, a lot of things have changed—few for the better.
From the AP and Military.com US to Rethink Baghdad Peace Efforts.
From the AP and Military.com Military Propaganda Program Legal.
From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Common Dreams an Opinion Piece Vietnam & Iraq: Another 'Bright Shining Lie'.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush to consult generals about Iraq strategy
‘We are constantly adjusting tactics,’ president says.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
There are several perspectives below; somewhere within, some of a truth lies. Yet, responsibility lies in Congress too; it also lies with all of us who seem to so love war. It repels, it fascinates us. We go to it much too willingly without demanding of ourselves that we understand it.
Chris Hedges: War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning.
Fault lies in classrooms where "feel good" social studies is taught without depth, without real analysis, without real history.
Fault lies where history, art, culture, languages are eliminated from classrooms; subjects that could show our similarities rather than differences. These are subjects that can build rather than burn bridges.
Fault lies in the "them or us" duality mentality.
Fault lies in avarice, ambition, and our praising those rather than compassion and mutual concerns.
Fault lies in the refusal to believe that leaders lie to their people all around the world.
Fault lies in not caring for our planet; in not demanding alternate energy sources.
Fault lies in not demanding a liveable minimum wage; in not demanding that no one, fellow countrymen included, that no one goes to bed hungry.
Fault lies in not demanding a respectable national health/prescription insurance program. Fault lies in not demanding to know why there are problems with providing flu vaccine.
Fault lies in silence, in not speaking up, in not being an active participant in our democracy. Silence is compliance.
Fault lies in saying, "I am just one woman, just one man, what can I do?"
Fault lies in not watch dogging elections and the machines thereof.
Fault lies in not demanding of the mass media real, hard, detailed, balanced news instead of what celebrity did what to whom.
Fault lies in accepting war and poverty as givens.
Fault lies in making Veterans by the thousands and not caring for them.
Fault lies in killing each other, nationally and internationally, in the name of a Creator.
Fault lies in developers wanting to by-pass wetlands reconstruction and finding engineering complicity to bend to their desires.
Fault lies in a compliant citizenry accepting a do nothing Congress.
There is more than enough fault to share.
If we will not speak for ourselves, how can we help speak for others. If we cannot speak with others, how can we find a better way than constant war?
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. reportedly has Iraq security timetable
White House denies Times’ report, says no firm dates for Iraqi progress.
From The New York Times and Truthout, an Editorial Blowing in the Wind.
From CNN Diplomat: U.S. arrogant, stupid in Iraq.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com No Reality From Administration.
From Reuters and MSNBC Iraq death toll report defended by researchers
Group: Estimate of up to 794,000 civilian deaths based on sound methods.
From The Times Union, Albany, NY, and Marie Cocco Principled Resignation Carries Weight Would history be different if Powell had stood tall and walked out?.
From Truthdig, Kevin Tillman, and Common Dreams After Pat’s Birthday
Kevin Tillman Honors Late Brother's Birthday with Plea to Speak up for Democracy.
From Time Magazine, Tony Karon, and Truthout No, Iraq Is Not Vietnam.
From MSNBC, Keith Olbermann on Countdown, and Truthout Olbermann Addresses the Military Commissions Act in a Special Comment.
To date, 21,077 WIA; 2,788 American KIA in Iraq; 340 American KIA in Afghanistan, 988 WIA;
These are their faces: Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties. Enduring Freedom Casualties.
Your comments are welcome.
Your donations will help keep this site going.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. diplomat apologizes for remarks.
From AP and MSNBC At least 44 Iraqis die in Sunday violence
Militants target holiday shoppers; U.S. death toll in October climbs to 83.
From Reuters and CNN Bush chides father for election remarks.
From the AP and CNN Bush to shift message to healthy economy.
From The Baltimore Sun, Adil E. Shamoo, and Common Dreams What Has Invasion Unleashed in Iraqis?.
An Editorial from The Atlanta Journal-Cosntitution and Jay Bookman It's Time to Face Harsh Reality in Iraq.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC In Balad, ties were 'destroyed in a second'
Sectarian battles drive out Sunnis as extremists gather influence.
This morning, 10/23/06 the number of U.S. Troops killed in October is 86. That is just about equivalent to three classrooms of students.
Inside Gitmo. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bill Dedman Investigative Reporter Gitmo interrogations spark battle over tactics
The inside story of criminal investigators who tried to stop abuse.
Review: Flags of Our Fathers. Remy Benoit
From The Chicago Sun Times and Richard Roeper Grand old 'Flags' Eastwood's World War II masterpiece is far more than a war movie.
Rules of Engagement. Remy Benoit
From Vanity Fair and William Langewiesche Rules of Engagement.
This is not a pleasant story, but then war is not a nice stroll in the woods. Perhaps this should be read by "walking a few miles" in their boots.
Perhaps we must give more consideration before engaging in war to know what is ahead.
Be advised that this article contains some strong language.
Your comments are welcome.
Politics. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Tom Raum and Yahoo News AP News Analysis: GOP fears war fallout.
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi Iraq war sentiment peppered with pessimism
Even in true-red states, the war in Iraq is getting more and more unpopular.
Troubled Veterans. Remy Benoit
From the Sun Herald, Walt Philbin Newhouse News Service Troubled veterans surge to centers But French Quarter suicide just the start of a grisly tale of murder, mutilation.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN and John Roberts Routine mission turns into hunt for missing comrade.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. soldier missing in Baghdad
Military official says translator may have been abducted.
From The Seattle Times "Iraq Notebook" Bush drops phrase "stay the course".
From CNN U.S. envoy: 'Success in Iraq is possible'.
From The Independent UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams The Exodus: 1.6m Iraqis have Fled Their Country Since the War.
From The Observer, UK, Peter Beaumont, Edward Helmore and Gaby Hinsliff, and Common Dreams How Iraq Came Home to Haunt America.
From Just Foreign Policy Perpetual War for peace? Tour for a Just Foreign Policy in Iran and Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN and John Roberts Routine mission turns into hunt for missing comrade.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. soldier missing in Baghdad
Military official says translator may have been abducted.
From The Seattle Times "Iraq Notebook" Bush drops phrase "stay the course".
From CNN U.S. envoy: 'Success in Iraq is possible'.
From The Independent UK, Patrick Cockburn, and Common Dreams The Exodus: 1.6m Iraqis have Fled Their Country Since the War.
From The Observer, UK, Peter Beaumont, Edward Helmore and Gaby Hinsliff, and Common Dreams How Iraq Came to Haunt America.
From Just Foreign Policy Perpetual War for peace? Tour for a Just Foreign Policy in Iran and Iraq.
A Thought for Today. Remy Benoit
A quotation was sent to me this morning.
The way the world plays out depends on each and every one of us. There is a CNN poll today CNN. that says, so far, that 56% of our population does not have faith in our democracy and government.
That is pathetic.
Apathy is the number one source of dysfunction in our country. It is easy to sit back and grumble about 'how things are.' If you want things differently, get off the sofa and do something about it.
This is the quote sent to me this morning from Albert Einstein:
Justice moves slowly but the Enron "boys" are being convicted; Abramoff has been convicted.
Voices are being raised across this country, not in fear, but in determination. So if you don't like things the way they are, change them. Find a group, start a group, with a voice on your particular area of concern.
We live with the heritage of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Paine, Madison and a long list of others who believed in this:
They froze at Valley Forge for this; walked into 'no man's land' for this; fought through a tide that beached red at Normandy for this.
Get off the sofa and do something other than give up what was fought for with so much blood of other Americans.
These are your basic rights:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III - Quartering of Soldiers. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual Punishment. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX - Construction of Constitution. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Protect them. Wine belongs in a glass; there is no place for whining about your country. There is a place to have your voice heard. That place is your election booth. Be there on November 7 as an educated voter.
We all owe so very many so very much.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, The Washington Post, and Veterans for America
Taliban leader warns of fierce fighting to come.
Nuclear Strategy . Remy Benoit
From Just Foreign Policy. Patrick McElwee, and Truthout - a Position Piece on Nuclear Policies Justifying War With Iran: A False Strategy for Nuclear Non-Proliferation.
As always, your comments are welcome.
Timeline. Remy Benoit
From Time, Romesh Ratnesar and CNN What's Missing From the New Timeline for Iraq Analysis: U.S. officials in Baghdad have announced a new schedule for the Iraqis to take over. But they are still avoiding the "W" word.
Kevin Tillman. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Christopher Dickey A Brother's Rage Kevin Tillman’s incandescent statement against the Iraq war reads like poetry, and is part of a tragic tradition.
Timelines and Constitutions. Remy Benoit
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Anna Badkhen Experts say Iraq will find timetable difficult to meet.
From In These Days, Rep. John Conyers, and Truthout George W. Bush v. The US Constitution.
From The Guardian, UK, Julian Glover, Richard Norton-Taylor and Patrick Wintour, and Common Dreams Iraq: Voters Want British Troops Home by End of Year
Fresh pressure on Blair as public back calls for early withdrawal.
Feeding Military Familes. Remy Benoit
From SignonSanDiego.com, Rick Rogers, and the IAVA Helping the hungry on base Many military families rely on donated goods.
Also from the IAVA, Congresssional voting records on support for Veterans Full Ratings List.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. sailor, 4 Marines killed in western Iraq
Deaths bring number of U.S. fatalities in October to at least 96.
From Salon.com and mark Benjamin U.S. generals call for Democratic takeover Disgusted with the leadership of the Iraq war, two retired generals say the GOP must go. Plus: More than 100 current military personnel join a campaign to get the U.S. out of Iraq -- now.
From CNN Bush acknowledges setbacks in Iraq.
From the Santa Fe New Mexican 5:30 am: New U.S. deaths make October deadliest month for U.S. troops since Jan. 2005.
From Reuters, Mariam Karouny and Paul Holmes, and Common Dreams Iraqi PM Distances Himself from US.
From Martina Fetzer, Daily Athenaeum (University of West Virginia; Morgantown, West Virginia)and Veterans for America
Op-Ed: Returning Iraq War Troops Need Psychological Support.
Combat Stress. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Richard Engel Middle East Correspondent and Beirut Bureau Chief Combat stress taking toll on U.S. soldiers
Troops are increasingly fighting an invisible enemy — in their minds.
Rumsfeld says, " Back off...". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld tells Iraq war critics to ‘back off’
He defends administration’s ‘benchmarks’ in combative press conference.
The basis of democracy is freedom of expression.
McCain: Send 20,000 More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC McCain: Send 20,000 more troops to Iraq.
What number will be big enough to do the job?
If he is not voting to care for the Veterans we have, how will the new ones be cared for?
What are your thoughts on that?
'not America's man'. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Aide: Al-Maliki a friend but not ‘America’s man’.
From the AP and Military.com October Deaths in Iraq Increase to 98.
From the AP and Common Dreams UN Official: US Terror Law May Violate International Treaties.
From the New York Times, James Glanz and Floyd Norris, and Truthout Report Says Iraq Contractor( KBR - Halliburton Subsidiary ) Is Hiding Data From US.
George Will and Joe Galloway on iraq. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, George F. Will, and MSNBC Togetherness In Baghdad A surreal facet of the Iraq fiasco is the lag between when a fact becomes obvious and when the fiasco's architects acknowledge it.
From CNN Gunmen in fire on Iraq PM's convoy.
From Joe Galloway, Military.com and Truthout Ruining America.
A Letter to Governors from a Vietnam Veteran. Remy Benoit
I was asked to post this letter as it concerns all Veterans and the funding and disbursement of funds for disabilities. It was originally sent to the Governor of Arizona, but Sgt. Mikie decided he would like to have all our Governors read and address it. You can check at National Military Families Association. to see how the families of our current troops are doing and call your Governor's office to help redress the situation outlined below.
Here is the letter I was asked to post:
Honorable Governor:
As a Vietnam Veteran, I know of one veteran's benefit that is deserved and neither you or anyone else has fought for it, especially in Congress, where such things are decided.
I suspect, however that it was just over-sight. I didn't really notice it myself for years.
Then, when I did, I tried to rationalize if from a "Put yourself in their shoes" perspective, but to date, I can't really come up with any plausible explanation why such a glaring, unfair discrepancy exists and has not been noticed, or addressed, but allowed to continue as part of apparently the "Status Quo."
So, as I read your statement in the voter's information I received, I thought it might help me decide after seeing your debate with the other candidates, how to cast my independent/swing vote. I do know one thing for sure, though. It is not, but can be a very explosive issue, and if properly addressed, for the good of ALL Veterans, especially those youngerones in what some of us Vietnam types call "The new batch" it can be very helpful to them and you. Because it is something not only you, but the Governor of each and every state in this union should be aware of, considering the thousands upon thousands of dollars it costs Arizona and the other states, to take up the slack where Congress either dropped the ball, or slipped a "Quickie" in on you and the other 49 Governors.
Here is the problem: Sorry the setup took so long, but it is a complicated issue, so it had to take a while.
The VA Service - Connected Disability Compensation table is grossly out of balance, and unfair to veterans rated below 100% in most instances. The percentage system is used, of course, because Combat and other disabilities related to Military and Combat Service differ from the Social Security type of disabilities. Granted that, though, once adjudicated at a certain percentage, say for example 100% --the veteran is compensated at a rate of $2207.00 per month.
There are graduations of 10, 20, 30, etc. percent, but the Compensation for those lower percentages of disability is NOT. Just as an example --50%. A service-connected veteran @ 50% is compensated @ $400+ Dollars less than the amount that is equal to 50% of the $2207 for 100% service-connection. A veteran @ 50% only receives $690 whereas, $1103.50 is half or 50 percent of $2207.
Why do I think you would be interested in this glaring unfair discrepancy?
Well, the two adjectives I just used.... glaring, unfair AND the fact that as I mentioned in some cases...the State of Arizona is taking up the slack in food stamps, and depletion of Arizona Food Bank stores, and who knows what else...to make up for the Federal Government's oversight or whatever it was that made them so bad at math, Hahaha!
Since I am a poor veteran and I can use the money, I will make you a bet. I bet if you can find a way to track it, and announce that you are gonna raise this issue with the other governors, or sponsor legislation at a federal level to address this inequity, you could very well get at least a thousand more votes, not that you would necessarily need them what with partisan politics looking like it is looking.
I am an Independent, by the way, and still uncommitted, so far.
But think what it would mean to Arizona's fiscal responsibility, and mine if I and the others if there are any - if with $1103.50 which is the FULL 50 percent at my disposal...I could drop off the Food Stamp rolls, and have a little bit of my dignity back and my faith in government and it's interest in it's avowed purposes and promises, and in it's ability to keep them, along with the rest of Arizona's veterans and indeed the rest of the veterans in this unfortunate situation in this whole great country that we loved so well, and still do, and only want them to show their professed love for us in kept promises to be fair with us.
Thank you for your time, and if it matters, I am actually leaning towards tossin’ ‘ya my vote.
Sincerely,
Michael Pectol
Former Sgt. HHB/2/77FA
U.S. Army, 4th and 25 Infantry Divisions,
Vietnam, 1967 - 1968
2/77arty.
From the IVAW. Remy Benoit
From ABC, Mike Gudgell, Iraq Veterans Against the War and Common Dreams Soldiers Say Support the Troops by Bringing Them home Active-Duty Troops Send Messages to Congress Opposing War in Iraq.
Reading Up on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek and MSNBC Sampling on Iraq To explain the situation in Iraq requires writers ranging from soldiers to statesmen to scholars to reporters to a 24-year-old out-of-work computer programmer.
100 in October, so far. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC U.S. military death toll in Iraq climbs to 100
Deadliest month since January 2005 when 107 troops were killed.
From The Washington Post, Peter Slevin, and MSNBC When troops bring the war in Iraq home.
From the AP and Military.com Missing U.S. Weapons in Iraq.
From The Philadelphia Inquirer, Trudy Rubin, and Common Dreams U.S. Blunders in Reconstructing Iraq Are Staggering.
SIGIR: Independent & Objective Oversight.
From Tom Paine and Jennifer Van Bergen Damage Control.
Are you registered to vote? Election Day is coming fast.
Iraq "nearly out of control". Remy Benoit
As of this evening, 101 American Troops have died in October in Iraq with many times that number of Iraqis.
No one should go to war without an exit plan.
From Tom Paine, Ray McGovern, and Common Dreams, an Opinion Piece Bush The Cheerleader.
Iraq: Divided Loyalties. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC An Iraqi police force under the militias' sway
Infiltration of force could delay handover for years, U.S. trainers suggest.
From CNN U.S. considers increasing Iraqi troop levels.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. troops dismantle Sadr City checkpoints
Iraq prime minister orders move; wedding party bombed, 11 die.
From The New York Times, Sabrina Tavemise and The San Francisco Chronicle 81 Iraqis killed -- moderate Sunni professor slain
103 American troops have died in bloody month of violence.
From The Guardian Unlimited, UK, and Deborah Summers MPs reject call for Iraq war inquiry.
From The New York Times and Truthout Out, An Editorial The Untracked Guns of Iraq.
Rumsfeld Okays Increase Iraqi Security Forces. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Rumsfeld OKs Increase in Iraqi Forces.
Military Healthcare. Remy Benoit
From Nancy Goldstein, Raw Story, and Veterans for America Mind Game III - Full Metal Lockout: The myth of accessible health care.
Bill Moyers: The Hijacking of the American Dream. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine America 101.
Privacy - going...going..... Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, The Red Tape Chronicles, and Bob Sullivan U.S. Near the Bottom in Privacy Study.
Apologies. Remy Benoit
Senator Kerry apologized for his comments, CNN Kerry apologizes for 'misinterpreted' words.
From Keith Olberman and MSNBC a request for another apology Bush owes troops an apology, not Kerry.
We need to have all the politicos working on the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Have you wondered just how much effort has gone into that with all the campaigning, name calling, nasty ads, and attention elsewhere?
And an apology from a private U.S. Citizen at Common Dreams Dear World
Please Know that we are Intent on Changing the Direction of our Country.
Veteran Candidates. Remy Benoit
From Michael Slenske, SMITH Magazine, and AlterNet This Election's 'Vet Factor'.
Bloody Start for November. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com November Off to Bloody Start in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC Baghdad police: 56 bodies found in 24 hours.
VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS. Remy Benoit
From Military.com VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS.
International Opinion. Remy Benoit
From The Guardian UK, Julian Glover and Truthout British Believe Bush Is More Dangerous Than Kim Jong-il.
Classic Campaigning; Campaigning with Class. Remy Benoit
This video was shown to me.
I thought I should pass it along as one campaign
ad that has class, style, and a classic dignity.
From You Tube Mr. Lamont Goes to Washington.
"Rumsfeld Must Go". Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Griff Witte, and MSNBC Contractors rarely penalized for misdeeds
Firms operating in Iraq take advantage of loopholes and lax oversight.
Where is the Executive and Congressional oversight for contractors?
From The Washington Post, Carol D. Leonnig and Eric Rich, and MSNBC U.S. seeks silence on secret CIA prisons
Court is asked to bar detainees from talking about interrogations.
From the AP and CNN Bush: Dems not unpatriotic, just wrong on Iraq.
From The LA Times and Paul Richter Democratic win may prod Bush on Iraq.
From the IAVA and Matt Runte The Fog.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Helen Thomas, and Common Dreams Election a Referendum on War and on Administration's Credibility.
Putting the Fox in the Hen House. Remy Benoit
From BushGreenwatch and Truthout Bush Names Exxon Chief to Chart America's Energy Future.
From Global Policy Forum, Joshua Holland, and AlterNet Bush's Petro-Cartel Almost Has Iraq's Oil. and The US Takeover of Iraqi Oil.
White House Defends Rumsfeld. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC White House: Anti-Rumsfeld editorial ‘shabby’
Bush administration defends secretary of defense amid new calls for ouster.
From CNN Forces U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From CNN Army Times: 'Time for Rumsfeld to go'.
From CNN War simulation in 1999 pointed out Iraq invasion problems.
From Common Dreams and Stephen Zunes Fourteen Senators Face Voters for the First Time since Authorizing Iraq War.
We will remember in November.
Hussein. Remy Benoit
From CNN Saddam Hussein sentenced to death by hanging.
From the LA Times and Alexancra Zavis Baghdad, provinces on shutdown for Hussein verdict
Leaders fear today's decision will trigger new violence. Attacks and torture claim dozens of lives.
From The Independent, UK, and Sameer N Yacoub Baghdad deserted in nervous wait for Saddam trial verdict
A curfew is in place but, with a death sentence 'almost certain' today, violence seems inevitable.
From the AP and MSNBC Saddam sentenced to death by hanging
Shiites, Kurds celebrate upon hearing court's guilty verdict.
Katrina is an Election Issue. Remy Benoit
From Truthout and William Fisher Political Amnesia.
Oil is a Reason. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and Truthout Bush Cites Oil As Reason to Stay in Iraq.
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
Ask someone who has been there what they need.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Truthout A Wartime Love Story.
From The Nation, John Nichols, and Common Dreams A Referendum on Rumsfeld.
VOTE VETS. Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Advisers a Vital Link to Iraq Exit.
From Military.com and Joe Galloway Deeper Into Chaos.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
Soldiers and Veterans. Remy Benoit
From AlterNet and Nina Berman Does the Military Send Sick Soldiers to War?.
From Military.com and Joe Catoe Election Tests Veterans.
James Webb Fields of Fire.
A Collection of Works by James Webb.
VOTE VETS.
Opinion Pieces. Remy Benoit
From Vanity Fair and David Rose Neo Culpa.
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The Rat Pack.
From The Boston Review and Heather Gerken Six Ways to Reform Democracy What can happen when members of Congress sit down with scholars.
From Vanity Fair and Michael Wolff Survivor: The White House Edition.
From Vanity Fair and Todd S. Purdum Karl Rove's Split Personality.
From The Boston Review and Henry Farrell Bloggers and Parties Can the netroots reshape American democracy?.
VOTE Tomorrow!
From Mythic Imagination Institute, Brenda Sutton, and Jerry Wennstrom Follow Your Own Path.
It is the gift of a free democracy that you are free to choose your path.
Protect your right to do that.
Get out and Vote!
"Where are the checks and balances?". Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC Olbermann: Where are the checks, balances? Bush has been 'making it up' for too long, and the people have let him.
Election Day. Remy Benoit
Are you busy?
So are the troops in combat.
Get out and vote.
Are you a Patriot?
So were the hundreds upon hundreds of thousands whose blood soaked into foreign ground to protect your right to vote.
Get out and vote.
Do believe in our Constitution; in Checks and Balances; in the Right of Habeas corpus?
Get out and vote.
Do you support our Veterans?
Then honor those who have given, and are giving, so very much.
Get out and vote.
Do you want to pass on to your children the concern you have to protect your democracy? Then show them you care. Teach by example.
Get out and vote.
Do you want to show the world that we care about, treasure our freedom?
Then get out and vote.
"Duty, Honor,Country" is not just for the "Long Gray Line;" not just for those in active and reserve duty. It is for all of us who want to, who must 'Preserve, Protect, and Defend' our Constitution, our way of life.
It is for all of us a sacred duty.
Get out and vote.
Whatever else you are doing at the moment is not as important.
Get out and vote.
Blessings to all.
May we bless the USA by honoring our right, our duty, our obligation, to VOTE.
Click here to find your polling place. Polling Place.
Miz' Remy
Turning Tides. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Alex Johnson and Sheldon Gawiser Democrats turn the tables in Washington
Two Senate races all that stand between them and control of Congress.
Rumsfeld Resigns. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Rumsfeld stepping down President taps ex-CIA chief Gates to replace embattled defense secretary.
Election Day plus 2. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Katherine Shrader, and The Houston Chronicle Gates seeks to resuscitate policy in Iraq.
From MSNBC and Brian Williams Rep. Pelosi poised to make history
Presumptive first female speaker of the House talks to NBC’s Brian Williams.
From Military.com and Brian Bresnahan A Lesson on Names. We need to, we must insist, that this new Congress pay serious attention to the needs of our Veterans.
From Military.com Veterans' Bill of Rights.
From The IAVA and Paul Rieckhoff Iraq Veterans Applaud Decision to Replace Sec. Rumsfeld.
From The Chicago Tribune and Garrison Keillor A Hint of Possibility in the Air.
Control Shifts. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rumsfeld acknowledges rocky turn in Iraq
On his way out, defense secretary says mission ‘not ... going well enough’.
From Tom Paine and Ray McGovern The Cheney-Gates Cabal.
Bush and Congress. Remy Benoit
From CNN Democrats bristle at Bush's push to confirm Bolton.
Post Election. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway and Tom Paine Time For Accounting.
From Forbes, Jessica Holzer and Matthew Swibel A Staggering New Bill For Iraq?.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Bush turns to old hands President seeking help from key veterans of father’s administration.
From Reuters and MSNBC Three U.S. troops killed in Iraq
Fatalities occurred in separate incidents; U.S. death toll at least 2,842.
From CNN Key Republican joins Dems opposing Bolton nomination.
From CNN Your e-mails: What Democrats should do first.
From Laura Neack and Common Dreams Restoring the Good Nation.
From The Progressive Matthew Rothschild Bush and Cheney and Their Disdain for Democracy.
From the UK to the U.S.. Remy Benoit
From The Guardian, UK, and Common Dreams Thank You, America.
Veterans Asked to Wear War Medals for Veterans' Day. Remy Benoit
From the AP, MSNBC, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson War vets urged to wear medals on V-Day
Veterans Affairs secretary wants to instill pride in military service.
Thank you all for your service. Know that we will carry on trying to get the government to take better care of you.
Will you be in New York for Veterans' Day? Match with the IAVA. Remy Benoit
March With IAVA in the NYC Veterans Day Parade - An Invitation from Paul Rieckhoff.
Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
To all of you who serve, who have served, who have given so much, Thank you for your service.
We will continue to fight for your rights, for your care, when you come home.
Welcome Home, Soldier.
Please join Gary Jacobson for his Welcome Home for you. Welcome Home.
Veterans in the UK were honored with a two minute national silence. Reuters and MSNBC Britain honors war dead with 2-minute silence
London service held on anniversary of official end of World War One.
What are you doing to honor our Veterans? A Thank You for your service is a good place to start. A few years back, my dad, who served in the "Big One," said that to another Vet of his war. The man broke into tears saying it was the very first time anyone had ever said that.
If you are up in New York, March With IAVA in the NYC Veterans Day Parade.
Here is a message to you from President Bush A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America.
And a reminder to the new Congress,VOTE VETS.
May God Keep and Bless all of you.
Miz' Remy
From Congressman Nick Rahall of West Virginia 11.9.06 On Eve of Veterans Day, Rahall Renews Call For passage of GI Bill Of Rights In New Congress.
Reward for Missing GI. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S. offers $50,000 to help find missing soldier.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, James Glanz, David Johnston and Thom Shanker, and Truthout Democrats Aim to Save Inquiry on Work in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC Bomber kills 33 at Iraq police recruiting center
Death toll in suicide attack expected to rise, officials say.
From the AP and Military.com Elections may Shift Iraq War Policy.
From Time Magazine, Adam Zagorin, and Truthout Charges Sought Against Rumsfeld Over Prison Abuse.
From Capital Times, Editorial, and Common Dreams Listening to a Veteran.
George McGovern and William R. Polk: Out of Iraq.
From Tom Paine and Karen Dolan Cities For Peace.
From PBS, Mark Shields and David Brooks Analysts Discuss Elections, Rumsfeld and Changes Ahead.
From Time and Michael Duffy
Searching for an Exit Plan.
From Military.com Veterans' Bill of Rights.
Veterans and Illness. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America, stress, catastrophic injuries, Agent Orange, and more.
Veterans for America.
Down Recent History Lane With Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Chris Adams and Alison Young Discharged and dishonored: Shortchanging America's veterans.
Where is your voice?
Use your voice. Support our Vets with more than bumper stickers.
Keep the Covenant - Be there for us and we WILL be there for you.
Iraq Options?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz and Thomas E. Ricks and MSNBC Iraq panel may have few good options to offer
Bush, Cheney, Blair to meet with Iraq Study Group on Monday.
Making Changes. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Josh Meacham, and MSNBC The Prodigal Returns.
From CNN Lawmakers question Iraq war's course after elections.It is not only the Administration that is responsible. The Congress, and, indeed, the American people need to dig deep and question their re-active rather than pro-active move to war without deep questioning. Again, again, again, we need to teach real history, not 'feel good' history to have an informed citizenry. The cost of not doing that is just too high.
From the AP and MSNBC Pelosi backs Murtha as majority leader
Endorsement adds to power struggle, as other Dems support Hoyer’s bid.
From the AP and CNN Insurgent activity rising in Afghanistan.
From The Independent, UK, Andrew Buncombe in Washington and Raymond Whitaker and Francis Elliott in London and Common Dreams Threat to Blair as Democrats Pledge Inquiry on Iraq.
From the San Francisco Chronicle, C.W. Nevius and Common Dreams Keith Olbermann Taps a Well of Discontent as the Anti-O'Reilly.
From the New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Democrats and Iraq.
The Legacy of Agent Orange. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Anthony Faiola, and MSNBC 30 years after war, Vietnam suffers toxic legacy
Officials move to address lingering effects of Agent Orange contamination.
Agent Orange, Gulf War Illness, Hepatitis, and Diabetes.
Operation Ranch Hand Agent Orange.
Veteran Problems. Remy Benoit
From Media News, Dogen Hannah, and Veterans for America Iraq War Veterans Flood VA System.
From The Christian Science Monitor, Amanda Paulson, and Veterans for America The New Veterans Among Us: Women.
Down History Lane Shell Shock Treatment WWI.
From the Heritage of the Great War and Rob Ruggenberg An Unexpected Epidemic of Shell Shock.
From Answers.com Combat Fatigue.
Soldiers' Heart. War and the Soul has been highly recommended by Veterans with PTSD. Perhaps it will help you.
Stand up for our Veterans.
Down History Lane with William Faulkner as he accepts his Nobel Prize 1950 - These are words that speak to us; we must listen.
I feel that this award was not made to me as a man, but to my work - a life's work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist before. So this award is only mine in trust. It will not be difficult to find a dedication for the money part of it commensurate with the purpose and significance of its origin. But I would like to do the same with the acclaim too, by using this moment as a pinnacle from which I might be listened to by the young men and women already dedicated to the same anguish and travail, among whom is already that one who will some day stand here where I am standing.
Our tragedy today is a general and universal physical fear so long sustained by now that we can even bear it. There are no longer problems of the spirit. There is only the question: When will I be blown up? Because of this, the young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat.
He must learn them again. He must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed - love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. Until he does so, he labors under a curse. He writes not of love but of lust, of defeats in which nobody loses anything of value, of victories without hope and, worst of all, without pity or compassion. His griefs grieve on no universal bones, leaving no scars. He writes not of the heart but of the glands.
Until he relearns these things, he will write as though he stood among and watched the end of man. I decline to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal simply because he will endure: that when the last dingdong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening, that even then there will still be one more sound: that of his puny inexhaustible voice, still talking. I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.
Thank you, Mr. Faulkner. Fear makes us re-active rather than pro-active. We cannot thrive with a politics of fear.
Want to Help a Soldier?. Remy Benoit
Please go to Any Soldier. and find out what they need that you can send.
Vietnam Changing. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings and George Wehrfritz, and MSNBC The Song Of The South Hanoi's communists won the Vietnam War, but southern-born reformers are leading an economic boom as the country opens up to the world.
While Panel Talks, Death Walks in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Up to 150 kidnapped from Baghdad institute
Gunmen abduct scores of Shiites and Sunnis; Iraq universities to be closed.
From Newsday, Sheryl McCarthy, and Common Dreams Americans Need to Learn the Lessons of Iraq War. We also need to sit down and really examine why 'we so love war.' That answer lies in thousands of years of mythology. James Hillman: A Terrible Love of War.
From Brian Bresnahan and Military.com Troops Deal With SECDEF's Exit.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC Don't Punt on The Troops Issue
The question of boots on the ground is critical to any progress.
From Reuters and CNN Blair challenges Iran and Syria to help in Iraq.
Wish You Well Foundation. Remy Benoit
Support for the advancement of literacy Michelle and David Baldacci: Wish You Well Foundation.
For some of David's excellent books David Baldacci. The Christmas Train. is one you will want to read during the holiday season.
Immigrants and Legalisms. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Matt Apuzzo, and Turhout Bush: Immigrants May Be Held Indefinitely.
Treatment of Veterans....let's not keep them waiting!. Remy Benoit
From Conn Hallinan, Focus on Foreign Policy, and AlterNet Bush Admin. Gives Vets the Shaft.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC Reid says Bush needs to be pushed on Iraq
President ‘doesn’t understand the urgency,’ top Senate Democrat says.
From CNN Iraq panel offers hope, but unlikely to end debate.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Top general warns against Iraq troop timeline
Abizaid also tells senators situation 'not as bad as ... back in August'.
From The Washington Post, Ellen Knickmeyer, and MSNBC Iraq sectarian strife imperils entire region
Analysts say civil war is a reality, but real worry is that chaos will spread.
From the AP and Military.com Sharp Divides in Congress Over Iraq.
New Orleans Levees. Remy Benoit
Please sign the petition and pass it along to protect, rebuild, and fund the levees.
Levees.org.
Do visit, and become a member of, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
James Webb. Remy Benoit
From The Wall Street Journal Editorial Page Class Struggle American workers have a chance to be heard.
We need to push the new Congress to pass a decent minimum wage bill.
This is where you will find them, besides personal websites. Contacting the Congress.
To contact Senator-Elect Webb Thank you, Virginia.
From the AP and MSNBC Democrats join to raise minimum wage
Kennedy, Pelosi say it will be priority of both houses in new session.
Transition to Civilian Life. Remy Benoit
Visit with Military.com to find the information you need to help you make the transition Transition Center.
President Bush in Vietnam. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC In Vietnam, Bush speaks on Iraq
President says past conflict offers lessons for 'great struggle' in Iraq.
CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties Iraq and Afghanistan.
War is a terrible thing, often doing great damage to not only a country, but to the individuals involved in it. Edward Tick: War and the Soul.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldier gets 90 years in Iraqi rape case.
From The Independent, UK, Jeremy Laurance, and Common Dreams Agent Orange: The Legacy of a Weapon of Mass Destruction.
Siegfried Sassoon: War and Other Poems.
Steve Mason, who passed on in 2005, was considered the "Poet Laureate" of the Vietnam Veterans. Let him tell you about war. Steve Mason.
From The Boston Globe, Marianne Williamson, and Common Dreams Waging Peace. Peace Alliance: Campaign to Establish a U.S. Department of Peace.
From Senator Russ Feingold and Tom Paine A Way Out of Iraq.
Iraq/Frost/Blair/Bush. Remy Benoit
From CNN Storm over Blair 'Iraq disaster' remarks.
From CNN Ho Chi Minh looms as Bush touts Vietnam lessons.
From Susan Lenfesty and Common Dreams, an Opinion Piece Bush Serves in Vietnam, Finally.
From the AP and Military.com Army Unit to Serve Third Tour in Iraq.
From USA Today, Richard Wolf, and Truthout Military Needs $127 Billion to Fund Iraq, Afghanistan Wars .
Grass Roots Move for Living Wage. Remy Benoit
From The Christian Science Monitor and Daniel B. Wood Grass-roots surge to boost minimum pay reaches L.A..
From The Mercury News, Richard Clough of the Chicago Tribune Minimum wage gets maximum priority.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Minimum Wage Laws in the States - April 3, 2006.
From the AFL-CIO Executive Pay Watch.
From the U.S. Census Bureau News Income Stable, Poverty Rate Increases, Percentage of Americans Without Health Insurance Unchanged.
Prescription drug costs are constantly rising at about 4x the inflation rate. I was prescribed some pills a few days ago. The cost of each pill, each pill, was just under $50. Without a health plan, well, you get the picture.
The new Medicare plan leaves many Seniors without coverage. Many Americans have no health insurance, let alone a prescription plan. Although WalMart is constantly controversial for a variety of valid reasons, they do offer this: Prescription drugs for $4 Wal-Mart price plan now here, and so are its critics.
These numbers, salaries, drug costs, Senior problems with it all, the fact that the VA is underfunded by billions of dollars, should give us pause, make Americans demand a righteous revamping of the entire health care scenario.
Use your voice Contacting the Congress.
How is your pension plan? Any "golden parachutes" in it? U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Down History Lane with a Louisiana son Huey Long. He was a very interesting character, considered a threat by FDR, with his own vested interest, but he did get things done. By the way, if you haven't seen this movie, you just might learn a few things from it. All the King's Men.
Cooperate, Or.... Remy Benoit
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Truthout Democrats Warned Not to Block Bush's Judicial Nominees.
From The Hill, Roxana Tyron, and Truthout Senate Democrats Plan Overhaul of Military Tribunals Bill.
From Senator Leahy of Vermont Leahy Seeks Newly Disclosed Documents Relating To Bush Administration’s Interrogation And Detention Policies.
Wiretapping. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales assails court rulings on wiretapping
AG says some judge’s definition of freedom poses a ‘grave threat’ to U.S..
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Embittered insiders turn against Bush
War advocates, other conservatives say president mismanaged their vision. Could it be that their "vision" was not grounded in reality, in history? What message do they have for those sent to fight and die? Congress authorized this war; responsibility lies there too. The balance of power of the Consititution was put there for a reason.
From Christopher Brauchli and Common Dreams Fixing Halliburton & Iraq?.
From Consortium News, Robert Parry, and Truthout America: What to Do Next?.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, An Editorial at Truthout
Katrina's Purgatory.
Thanks to the Times for remembering us, for telling it like it is. BUT, WE ARE LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI and the Gulf Coast is coming back no matter what it takes.
It is people like Danielle and Rich Sutton who have the faith, the determination, to bring back the wonder that is our beloved city, New Orleans.
So, coming soon to New Orleans The St. James Cheese Company. Ya'll come and show them that you are there for them, as they are there for New Orleans. Watch for the opening date.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Kissinger/McCain/Democrats/Hersch. Remy Benoit
Those of us from the Vietnam Era remember this name only too well.
From the AP and MSNBC Kissinger: Victory no longer possible in Iraq
Former secretary of state offers bleak outlook on U.S. military operations.
From the AP and MSNBC McCain: More troops needed in Iraq
Democrats looking for phased withdrawal.
From The New Yorker, Seymour Hersch, and Truthout The Next Act.
Iraqi Students - "no future". Remy Benoit
From CNN and Arwa Damon Iraqi students fear death of education system.
Negative Reception in Indonesia. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush arrives to angry reception in Indonesia
Thousands protest before president’s visit to most populous Muslim country.
From the AP and CNN Blair: Force alone can't beat terrorism.
From the AP and CNN Bush noncommittal on Iraq troop deployment.
From the AP and Military.com House Democrat Wants Draft Reinstated.
From the AP and Military.com Iraq Bloodbath Continues.
From the Pueblo Chieftain Online, Juan Espinoza, and Common Dreams Vietnamization Didn't Work Then, Won't Work Now. For those of you who don't know Phil Ochs' music There But for Fortune.
Iraq Options and Iranian Summit. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Go big, go long or go home: Few easy options for Iraq.
From the AP and CNN
Iran to host Iraqi, Syrian leaders for weekend summit.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Six Muslim imams removed from U.S. airliner
Passenger raised concern; police questioned scholars before releasing them.
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Flaws cited in effort to train Iraqi forces
U.S. officers roundly criticize a program that is growing in importance. We do have to ask why they are still not being supplied with what they need?
From CNN Pelosi says no to draft legislation.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Time to Fix What's Broken.
From the AP and CNN Iraq, Syria resume diplomatic ties.
From the AP and CBS Blair Vows Brits Will Stay In Afghanistan.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and ABC Bush Won't Commit to Iraq Troop Changes.
Senator-Elect James Webb of VA. Remy Benoit
From The Wall Street Journal, James Webb and Truthout Class Struggle.
General Wes Clark. Remy Benoit
From U.S.A. Today and Wes Clark Next move in Iraq?.
Janet Reno et. al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Matt Apuzzo and Truthout Reno Files Challenge to Terror Law.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Afghanistan May Need More Troops.
Iraqi Civilian Deaths. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: 3,709 Iraqis slain in Oct.; highest toll yet
Officials blame growing armed militias, rampant torture for 'grim picture'.
Support for Soldiers. Remy Benoit
While you are sitting down to table, they are in combat...don't forget them...say thanks by helping.
America Supports You.
If you know someone who has come home and is having trouble, this is a good place for support, understanding, and compassion. Soldier's Heart - Mentor the Soul.
Senator McCain, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Senator John McCain, and Truthout White House Hopefuls Vary on Iraq Policy.
Happy Thanksgiving. Remy Benoit
It is 32 here in the Southland this morning, clear and, for us, disturbingly, breathtakingly, dry. The turkey is in the oven and early light is just beginning to creep through the limbs of the Live Oaks outside my window.
This article leads the news from CNN here this morning. Top Marine: Troops under too much strain. I am hearing people say that our soldiers are fighting this war, not the rest of us; and, that they are feeling that.
There is a question floating around this morning - is Mr. Cheney in Iraq to visit with the troops? Cheney in Iraq for Thanksgiving. Mr. Cheney who was too busy with other things for service in Vietnam.
For Iraqis, like for our troops, October and November have not been good months. From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: 3,709 Iraqis slain in Oct.; highest toll yet
Officials blame growing armed militias, rampant torture for ‘grim picture’.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Amy Goodman, and Common Dreams, this observation Rumsfeld and a Mountain of Misery.
From Tom Hayden, the Huffington Post, and Commn Dreams U.S. Retreat from Iraq? The Secret Story. these observations.
From The New York Times, Maureen Dowd, and Truthout Lost in the Desert.
From Military.com and Joseph Kinney Perle's Revisionist History.
So, it doesn't really matter if Mr. Cheney is having supper with the troops. What matters is that when we send soldiers to fight we supply them adequately; we care for them when they come home; and we never, ever send them without an exit plan.
The turkey is cooking, the dryer is turning, it is quiet, pleasant, warm in the house because so many have fought so long for our freedoms. It is up to us to protect them, and to be there for the active combatants who fight for them, both during combat and when they come home.
At table tonight, remember them in your prayers; tomorrow, call your Congressman and Senators; call the White House, and demand that our troops get what they need - during and after war.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Religious War. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bombs, mortars in Shiite slum kill at least 161
Diplomats, politicians, clerics scramble for ideas to quell sectarian war.
From Reuters and MSNBC Wedding car in flames, blood flows in streets.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.N.: Iran agrees to open nuclear books.
Pre-Katrina Memories from Mississippi. Remy Benoit
From Campbell Brown and MSNBC Volunteers preserve pre-Katrina memories
Web-based photo project reunites washed-away photos with families.
Troops Not Home for the Holidays. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. personnel mark holiday far from home
From Mideast to Southeast Asia, troops long for home, try to stay focused.
Wherever you are, our prayers are with you.
Thank you for your service.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Military Mothers . Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and MSNBC Military mothers yearn to be whole
16,000 single moms are serving in Iraq, and strains don’t end upon return.
We Need to Speak UP About Health/Drug Care. Remy Benoit
It is not only the health care of our Veterans that needs attention, it is the health and prescription care for all Americans.
Health care, prescriptions, are basic necessities. Without a health program or a prescription program Americans cannot afford medical care. Even with these programs, the cost of health care can be prohibitive.
Health is not negotiable.
Health care is not the playground of megabuck lobbyists or pharmaceutical firms.
Health care, a decent health care program for all, including our Veterans, is up to the American people to demand.
You do have more power than lobbyists, than corporations, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE IT.
This country belongs to the people, not the corporations. Again, people have a voice. Ask the people in your family what they need in health care; ask them if they have slipped into the "donut hole". And then, when you know needs, demand action.
No one in this country should not be able to see a doctor or not have medication. No one.
From The New York Times, Robert Pear, and Truthout Drug Industry Is on Defensive as Power Shifts.
Stay or Go?. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Joseph L. Galloway, and Truthout Three Options for Iraq, None Perfect.
From the AP and MSNBC More U.S. troops killed in Anbar province
Baghdad may be the ‘center of gravity’ but western region still bloodiest.
From CNN 21 Shiites gunned down in front of families.
From CNN Cheney in Riyadh to discuss 'new initiative' with king.
This just came to me this morning from Tucson. The gentleman who sent it felt it should be shared. To all of you in service, blessings and thank you for your service. You are in our prayers. The Military Support Group: Thanksgiving.
3rd Time Around. Remy Benoit
It is clear, chilly this morning on the front porch.
It is peaceful on my front porch. The neighbor's dog, a big, black and white mutt, perhaps one hundred pounds of love is out there playing with my daughter's dog. All seems normal and yet these soldiers are off, for the 3rd time, to the battlefront. How often do we think of them when we drive to Church, to work, to make groceries, to go the movies, or sit on our front porches?
The country is at war, but it seems only the soldiers are at war. There is no rationing of gas, of food, or clothes, or anything else.
When they come home hurt, injured in body, mind, and spirit, they will face waiting lists at the VA, job problems, readjustment problems, family problems.
From Lawrence O'Donnell and the Huffington Post Rangel is Right.
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Long stints in Iraq fracture families
3rd Infantry Division will be the first deployed for a third year-long tour.
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright, and MSNBC Iraq group a study in secrecy, centrism
Outside participants describe process.
From Reuters and MSNBC Report: Insurgency is financially self-sustaining
Classified study reportedly says groups are illegally raising $70M to $200M.
Topics to Consider. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Democrats vow an array of investigations
Possible probes include Medicare plan, Halliburton and energy task force.
From the AP and MSNBC High court to hear pivotal global warming case
A dozen states, large cities argue that emissions need to be regulated.
From the AP and Military.com US Involved in Iraq Longer Than WW II.
The Plot Thickens. Remy Benoit
Everything we do has its impact on many, many other things.
From CNN Iraq president to fly to Iran.
From Tom Paine and David Corn Iraq's Reality Bandwagon.
From The Times Online. U.K. and Devika Bhat and Agencies UK troops to reduce by 'thousands' by end of 2007.
From The Mail Courier, Australia, and John McCarthy Politicians missed alarm bells.
From Tom Paine, Laura Flanders, and Common Dreams Never Saying 'Sorry'.
It is easy to place blame where it apparently lies, yet this is a democracy; a government with a built in balance of power. This engagement's problems lie also in Congress, and with the American voter.
We cannot ignore the balance of power between branches of our government, any more than we can ignore our Bill of Rights when we feel threatened.
Veterans For Peace Target Of Pentagon Spying.
We demand expertise in hiring for all kinds of jobs, but we do not demand that of diplomats. We do not insist that they speak the language, know the culture of the countries to which we send them.
We do not place value on our own heritage by insisting that real history, art, culture, music, languages, literature be taught in our schools. They are always the first to go with budget crunches. We may be 'teaching to the test' but we are not teaching toward real life, nor the future of our country.
That is our responsibility in the democracy, to educate to bring out the best each child has to give to continue the incredible heritage that is being passed down. If we don't do that; if we ignore our rights; if we ignore the fundamental structure of our Constitution, we are bound to failure.
If we continue to espouse competition rather than cooperation, the theory of scarcity will continue; the gap between haves and have nots will broaden, and untold conflicts will continue.
The answers, the responsibilities, lie with each and everyone of us.
The defense of our country's heritage calls for real patriotism - standing up and saying "this is what we truly stand for."
What is it that we truly stand for? Only we can answer that question.
From the AP, Erica Werner, and Truthout Waxman Has Bush Administration in Sights.
From Anne Usher, Cox News Austin American Statesman and Veterans for America Stress Disorders, Drug Abuse, Little Help for Troops.
From Gigi Stone, ABC News, and Veterans for America Vets Skeptical VA Can Cope with Iraq War Wave.
From The Independent, UK, Stephen Castle and Kim Sengupta, and Truthout NATO Urged to Plan Afghanistan Exit Strategy as Violence Soars.
Impact. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post, Robin Wright and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Civil war in Iraq near, Annan says Iraq Study Group begins closed, two-day meeting.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Time to Fix What's Broken.
From CNN Insurgents target oil sources, cause massive infernos.
From the AP and Truthout US Military Deaths in Iraq Hit 2,875.
From the AP and CNN NATO eyes Afghan handover in 2008.
And a new book coming out to reflect upon. From William Fisher and Truthout Elizabeth de la Vega:US v. Bush, et al.
Middle East Issues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN (Jordanian) King wants Bush to refocus on Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
From the AP and MSNBC Ahmadinejad sends letter to American people
Note from Iran president to be released later Wednesday, state media says.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Troops Battle Iraqi Insurgents.
From Bloomberg.com, Roger Runningen and Catherine Dodge Bush Searches for Ways to Transfer Security to Iraq.
The basis of democracy is open debate, discussion. This new book by Elizabeth de la Vega: United States v. George W. Bush et al.. should certainly spur that debate. For the introduction to United States v. George W. Bush et al. go to Common Dreams A Fraud Worse than Enron.
Senator Chuck Hagel, Nebraska. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Senator Chuck Hagel, and Truthout Leaving Iraq, Honorably.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Pentagon eyeing further deployments to Iraq
Iraq Study Group to release report Dec. 6, expected to seek regional talks.
FEMA and Katrina Aid. Remy Benoit
From NBC and MSNBC FEMA must resume Katrina housing aid
Short-term housing benefits reinstated for disasters’ victims.
Iraq - Stay the course, or alter it?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Source: Iraq panel to advise gradual U.S. pullback.
From the AP and Military.com Bush: U.S. Troops Will Remain in Iraq.
From CNN, Colin Powell, and Truthout Colin Powell Says Iraq in a "Civil War".
From The Los Angeles Times, Julian E. Barnes and Peter Spiegel and Truthout Controversy Over Pentagon's War-Spending Plan.
For a long while now, soldiers have been noting that TV shows, celebs, and other inconsequential things seem to garner more attention than the war they and fighting, not to mention their well being, need of supplies, etc. Bob Hebert of The New York Times addresses that situation at Truthout. While Iraq Burns.
From Tom Paine, Common Dreams, and Bill Moyer Message To West Point.
Add this to your shopping list Any Soldier.
Perhaps one of the solutions to this terrible situation is prayer. Remember what the astronauts told us; that when you are in space, there are no national boundary lines visible? Perhaps we can cross them with universal prayer? It couldn't hurt to try in all languages, in all faiths. There are radical elements in all faiths; most followers are more in tune to charity, compassion, and forgiveness. Sheer numbers of prayers might tip the balance to reason.
Edgar Mitchell was one of those young, inspired astronauts. This is what he did with what he learned. The Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Gingrich Attacks Freedom of Speech. Remy Benoit
Tonight we see the 172nd Stryker Brigade come home and try to settle in, to adjust to not being in a combat zone.
They, like countless brigades before them, went to "Preserve, Protect, and Defend," as well as to spread, the ways of democracy.
They went to protect with more blood, what so much blood has been spilled to defend - Our Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
And yet, Mr. Gingrich thinks he knows better about how we should protect our freedom - by curtailing Freedom of Speech. Sorry, Mr. Gingrich, that is a non sequitur and we are not buying into it.
Freedom is freedom; it is not a little bit of freedom, or some panel, somewhere, deciding how much of it we can have.
To the 172nd Stryker, WELCOME HOME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
To Mr. Gingrich, back to Civics 101 and then to Edward Tick's War and the Soul. to learn the price of FREEDOM and how dearly we hold it.
From MSNBC and Keith Olbermann Gingrich wants to restrict freedom of speech?
Legal expert looks at constitutionality of former House Speaker's comments.
Iraq and Ripples. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Iraq panel: Withdraw combat units by 2008
Some troops would remain to train, advise Iraqis.
While you were traveling, someone might have been taking notes. From the AP and MSNBC U.S. gives travelers terrorist risk ratings
Scores based on past one-way travel, seating preference, meal choice.
FRom NOW, PBS, and Truthout Norman Lear: Why Is the Media Not Serving the Public Interest?.
From the AP and Military.com U.S. Forces Conduct Baghdad Raids.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Sinking Into Confusion.
Stormy Weather. Remy Benoit
There is frost out there this morning but others are sadly feeling the impact of a strong front that roared through.
From the AP and MSNBC Storm blamed for deaths, outages and delays.
Do check on your elderly neighbors, and please, do not overdo with the shoveling!
Cutting Straight to What Is. Remy Benoit
From Dan Froomkin and Common Dreams On Calling Bullshit.
From Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, and Truthout We Fight for Liberty by Having More Liberty and Not Less .
From the AP and MSNBC Leahy expresses outrage at travel terror ratings
Incoming Senate committee chairman pledges better scrutiny of screening.
From The Guardian, UK, Julian Borger and David Pallister and Truthout Corruption: The "Second Insurgency" Costing $4 Billion a Year.
From Veterans for America Cascading Conflicts in the Middle East: A Look at Iraq.
From the AP and Truthout Huge War Spending Bill to Test Democrats.
Coming Home Should Be With Dignity. Remy Benoit
While we do not get to see, to honor, those coming home who have fallen in the line of duty, despite the non-coverage, they should be coming home with honor and dignity.
From the AP and Military.com Soldier's Casket on Baggage Cart.
FEMA - still. Remy Benoit
Katrina slammed into New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast in late August of 2005. In many areas you would think that it hit in August of this year because of the lack of progress.
We welcome you, indeed, we encourage you to come to the French Quarter, to dine, to dance, to party, but we ask you also to be aware, to spread the word. The Gulf Coast is coming back, and it takes proper funding to do that. Revenues from the Gulf must go to the people who work for them.
The people of this area love it here. They have waged an incredible attempt to bring order to their lives. But they cannot do it, any more than anyone else, anywhere else, could, without sufficient backup.
The Gulf Coast provides so much to the rest of the nation. And yet FEMA still can't seem to get it right.
From The Washington Post, Spencer S. Hsu, and MSNBC Judge's order reveals FEMA aid shortcomings
Fraction of households to reach limit; bureaucracy is faulted.
From The Times Picayune and Bruce Alpert House to vote on offshore royalties Louisiana would get millions for coast.
From The Times Picayune and Steve Ritea Teacher shortage looms in N.O.
11 schools to reopen for next semester.
From AlterNet, Will Bunch, and Attytood Why the Levee Broke.
From David Metraux.com Pictures of the Ninth Ward, January 2006.
From Wikimedia Category:Hurricane Katrina aftermath in Lakeview, New Orleans.
It would be great if we could give Congress a required reading list. It would include these two books by Mike Tidwell Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast. and The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Coming Death of America's Coastal Cities.
And if you are somewhere else, saying it can't happen here, well, find a way to check out what the Weather Channel had to say about It_Could_Happen_Tomorrow . in your area.
Sometimes we need to rethink our thinking, even though perhaps previously we have decided other things. That refers to the prosperity and safety of our cities and towns, and to our war efforts too. From Reuters and MSNBC Rumsfeld's pre-quitting memo urged Iraq shift
Document, confirmed by Pentagon, offered no specific recommendations.
It is a very special time of year for many of us.
Perhaps the miracles we should pray for are clarity of thought, compassion, and just down right common sense.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
It is very cold out there this Monday morning.
There are awful problems around the globe this morning.
From Reuters and MSNBC Philippines fears 1,000 killed by typhoon, slides
Officials say many bodies may never be found; national calamity declared.
From the AP and MSNBC Wildfires destroy 5 homes in southern Calif.
Hundreds more threatened by blazes whipped by Santa Ana winds.
From CNN Hadley: Bush knows changes needed in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC
Women Take on Major Battlefield Roles.
From the AP and Military.com Bush not Seeking Cover for Pullout.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC A Troubled 'Afghan Model'
Having confronted Islamic extremists on many issues, Musharraf seems to believe he need not thwart them on the goal of Afghan jihad.
From the Toronto Sun, Eric Margolis, and Common Dreams Babylon is Burning.
From the New York Times, Frank Rich, and Common Dreams Has He Started Talking to the Walls?.
From Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, and Truthout No Pandering Here.
An Important Question: When Will We Honor Those Who Serve?. Remy Benoit
From Ben Stein and Military.com When Will We Wake Up?.
From CNN CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties in Iraq.
From CNN Enduring Freedom Casualties.
From The Daily Nightly, Robert Bazell, and MSNBC The Signature Wound of the Iraq War.
This is the way it is while the folks at home are out doing holiday shopping, dining out. Perhaps this could be put on the shopping list? From the VFW Operation Uplink. Or this Cell Phones for Soldiers.?
Ben poses a great question - When will we wake up?
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Les Blumenthal.GAO report blasts Veterans Affairs over budget, care for soldiers.
A MUST READ OR LISTEN. Remy Benoit
From NPR:
Soldiers Face Obstacles to Mental Health Services.
Soldiers Say Army Ignores, Punishes Mental Anguish
by Daniel Zwerdling.
Reality Checks. Remy Benoit
From Ivan Eland and Military.com The Coming Iraq Policy Clash.
From the Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Army battling to save equipment
Gear piles up at depots, awaiting repair.
From the AP and MSNBC Confirmation hearing for Gates on Tuesday
Sec. of Defense nominee expected to face strong Iraq war questions.
From the Miami Herald, Ray McGovern, and Common Dreams A CIA Insider's Take on Gates.
From The Los Angeles Times, Peter Spiegel and Julian E. Barnes, and The San Jose Mercury News Worries over Gates' style as defense hearings start
Another Rumsfeld-llike Bully, Or a Changed Man?.
From The Boston Globe, Beverly Beckham, and Common Dreams Mourning the Hidden Tragedy in Iraq.
IAVA Members and Supporters Raise Money for the VA. Remy Benoit
Bravo! IAVA and Coyote Ugly Raise Money for Nashville VA Hospital.
Paul Rieckhoff Chasing Ghosts: A Soldier's Fight for America from Baghdad to Washington.
Hiring Out a War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Renae Merle, and Truthout Census Counts 100,000 Contractors in Iraq.
"Get Tough". Remy Benoit
Before we get into the events of the day, I am still looking for shipmates of Art Hanman who served on the Essex way back when ponytails, mini-skirts, and Do Wop were giving way to peasant skirts, Dylan and Baez. One of you, a special buddy, was then down Pascagula way and he would like to hook up with you and take a sail down memory lane. So, if you are reading this, give me a holler through Comments and I'll connect you. Art is heading down to the Southland for a visit, so let's get to it. This is Pascagula 6 months after Katrina.
If you are a Veteran looking for work, this is a place to start. From Military.com Careers.
Now to the Iraq Study group. From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC Report to urge Bush to put screws to Iraq
Iraq Study Group to recommend putting teeth behind security benchmarks. Freedom, democracy are gifts, earned, cherished. When you haven't known those, perhaps it is difficult to comprehend that they are worth fighting for.
From Norman Solomon and Common Dreams Media Sham for Iraq War -- It's Happening Again.
From The New York Times, David Stout, and Truthout At Hearing, Gates Says US Not Winning War in Iraq.
From The Los Angeles Times, Nicole Gaouette, and Truthout Smuggling, Theft, Bribery at Agency ( Homeland Security ).
And from The Chicago Sun Times, Jesse Jackson and Truthout Congress Must Insist Bush Isn't Above Law.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC 10 U.S. service members killed in Iraq
Meanwhile, mortar attack kills 8 Iraqis, wounds 40 in Sadr City district.
From NBC and MSNBC Panel says U.S. policy in Iraq ‘is not working’
Group calls situation ‘grave and deteriorating;’ Bush pledges action.
From William Lind and Military.com an Opinion Piece Boomerang Effect.
From Tom Hayden and Common Dreams Iraq Study Group Report Rebuffs Neo-Conservatives, But Still Seeks “Success” Through Lower-Profile War.
History Lessons. Remy Benoit
It is Pearl Harbor Day and we are in yet another war.
From The Detroit Free Press and Julie Edgar PEARL HARBOR | 65 YEARS LATER: Veteran tells his tale.
From Newsweek, Michael Beschloss, and MSNBC Advice, But Often No Consent Presidents listen to blue-ribbon panels—sometimes.
From the Avalon Project Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
From Wikipedia Gulf of Tonkin Incident.
From CNN Bush may announce 'new way forward' in Iraq.
From Peter Hart and Tom Paine Withdrawing From Debate On Iraq.
Global Security Updates. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America Global Security Updates' Take on the Iraq Study Group Report.
Deep Freeze. Remy Benoit
To those of you in the Southland, from Louisiana across to Florida coast, watch those crops, cover those plants, protect your animals, and your pipes the cold is here and more is coming.
It is 28 here at the moment, so take this warning seriously.
From CNN Deep South headed for deep freeze.
From Newsweek, Evacuees: Where Are They Now?.
Bush, Syria, Iran and More. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush tells Iran, Syria how they can join Iraq talks.
From NBC, Joel Seidman, and MSNBC Rumsfeld faces personal suit by detainees
Former prisoners accuse him of torture techniques in Iraq, Afghanistan.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and Truthout Senators Question Iraq Panel's Blueprint.
From The New York Times, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Kate Zernike, and Truthout Bush Backs Away From Two Key Ideas of Panel on Iraq.
From AlterNet, Antonia Juhasz, and Truthout Oil for Sale: Iraq Study Group Recommends Privatization.
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and Truthout 11 US Troops Killed in Iraq.
From The Progressive, Matthew Rothschild and Common Dreams The Fantasies of the Baker Report.
And if you missed this one before, do join Bill Moyers at West Point. From Bill Moyers, Tom Paine, and Common Dreams Message to West Point.
Joe Galloway. Remy Benoit
Author of We Were Soldiers Once-And Young:Ia Drang--The Battle That Changed The War In Vietnam .
Says at the McClatchy Newspapers and Truthout Leave Iraq Now; Don't Wait Until 2008 Election Day.
3 Retired Generals Give Opinions. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Daren Briscoe, and MSNBC What the Generals Say Three retired U.S. Army officers discuss their views on the Iraq Study Group recommendations.
From Newsweek, Christopher Dickey, and MSNBC Closer to the Abyss
U.S. troops just don't have the means to stop Iraq's death squads. Why the Baker proposals could turn into a nightmare.
From The Nation and Robert Dreyfuss The Iraq Study Group: A Fatal Flaw.
From Common Dreams and Tom Hayden The Baker Agenda: Troops out, Oil Companies in?.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Quickens Search for New War Plan.
From the AP, Matthew Daly, and The Seattle Times Smith says Iraq war may be "criminal".
From the AP, Ben Evans, and Truthout McKinney Introduces Bill to Impeach Bush.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times, Laura King and David Holley, and Truthout Afghanistan War Nears "Tipping Point".
Unconditional Love. Remy Benoit
Are you looking for the perfect gift?
Are you looking for the perfect read to give to someone who is searching for self, for loving, unconditionally?
Well, I have 4 offerings for you right here.
If you love New Orleans, if you are someone who is trying to live beyond pain, to turn the pain of the loss of a loved one to something special, then may I suggest Loving. You can read an excerpt just by clicking to the right.
Are you someone who loves someone with PTSD? Do you wonder if others share the things you know, the trials you have tried so hard to overcome? Then you will love the way Mellie and Jesse find peace, and loving, unconditionally, in Peace, Now. far away from home in the haunted Schloss Geisttod in Augsburg.
Do you love the sea, or know someone else who does? Are you tired of what you are doing; want to try a new place to live by the water; love water music; wonder what we can learn today from a Spanish Conquistador?
Then Island Quilts. will help you on your way to making new designs, a new pattern in your life.
Do you love historical stories of triumph over fear; triumph against incredible odds? Are you interested in World War I, in the time period from 1870 - 1920; wonder what price was paid for Women's Suffrage; love wandering the streets of New Orleans and the back bays of the Atlantic?
Then you will want to meet Letty.
Don't forget, if you are writing your own story and need gentle editing help, guidance, and support, visit with me at Remy Benoit Writing.
The rates are reduced if you are a Veteran!
If you would just like to donate to Welcome Home Soldier to help me carry on, please, just click on Donate and do the Pay Pal thing.
You can write yourself home.
I know from my own experience.
I invite you to start with the free writing seminar here, Using History for Healing and Writing..
And please, send Jerry Wennstrom's, or one of my books above as a holiday gift to someone you know who wants to know about the incredible power of love to heal.
Thank you,
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Editorial on Iraq Policy. Remy Benoit
From the Philadelphia Inquirer Bush and the Iraq Report More reflexive rejection.
From CNN and Truthout GOP Senator Criticizes Iraq War in Emotional Speech.
From MSNBC Iraqi president calls panel’s report ‘dangerous’
83 more dead around country; U.S. death toll inches higher.
4 More Dead in Iraq. Remy Benoit
While they meet to find a strategy, and the Iraqis are angry with the Baker Report, from CNN Roadside bombs kill 4 U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
From Robert Shetterly and Common Dreams What’s the Opposite of a Pyrrhic Victory?.
Death Keeps Coming in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Indianapolis Star Iraq: News in brief.
From Reuters Bomber kills 60 in Baghdad.
From Joseph Kinney and Military.com No Worthy Heroes?.
From the Boston Globe, James Carroll, and Common Dreams Desperate for Answers to All-Important Iraq Riddle.
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, and Truthout The Time Is Now.
Listen to the Earth Under Your Feet. Remy Benoit
This sound recording will give you something to think about. While we draw borders, draw up 'isms',
kill each other, the earth is making sounds.
Perhaps she is listening to us?
Do we want her to hear what we are doing?
From NPR and John Bullitt Hearing Earth: Rumblings of a Complex Planet.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Truthout Remarks of Senator Carl Levin at the Brookings Institution - Seminar on US national security policy issues..
Iraq and Joint Chiefs. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Joint Chiefs advise change in war strategy
Shift would seek to bolster Iraqi army.
From The New York Times, Adam Liptak, and Truthout US Subpoena Is Seen as Bid to Stop Leaks.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Glenn Kessler and Robin Wright, and MSNBC Rice rejects overture to Iran, Syria
‘Compensation’ in any deal might be too high, she says.
From Reuters and MSNBC Poll: Arab attitudes toward U.S. more negative
Survey underscores need for shift in U.S. Mideast policy, expert finds.
From The Nation and David Corn The Waiting Game.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Joe Galloway, and Common Dreams Bush's 'New Way Forward' Is into Quicksand.
From Military.com Veteran Job Search.
From The Guardian, UK, Timothy Garton Ash, and Truthout Bush Has Created a Comprehensive Catastrophe Across the Middle East.
From CNN U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From CNN POW/MIA.
Do You Know a Hero?. Remy Benoit
Do you know someone who goes beyond to do what needs doing?
Visit with the The Giraffe Heroes Project.
It Goes On. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gunmen kidnap dozens at Iraq's Red Crescent
Assailants pack employees, visitors into trucks, leave women behind.
From CNN Kidnapping overshadows Blair visit.
From Heather Wokusch and Common Dreams It's Not Just Bush: We're Accountable Too.
From Fin Law, John W. Dean, and Common Dreams Refocusing the Impeachment Movement on Administration Officials Below the President and Vice-President
Why Not Have A Realistic Debate, with Charges that Could Actually Result in Convictions?.
From the AP and Military.com Reserves, National Guard Feel Strain.
From Donald Rumsfeld and Military.com Farewell.
From Deutsche Welle Rumsfeld Sued for Alleged War Crimes.
From The Washington Post, Charles Babington, and Truthout Incoming Chairmen Ready to Investigate.
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
Hanukkah is being celebrated, Christmas is coming, and war rages on. Somewhere we have missed the point of, oh so many things.
Perhaps, perhaps, we could spend this week, while candles are being lit, while Christmas lights glow, to search ourselves, to search for a better, indeed, to pray for a better way.
It Grows Worse. Remy Benoit
From NBC and MSNBC Iraq attacks at highest level in two years
Weekly average number close to 1,000, Pentagon report says.
From the AP, Robert Burns, and Truthout Gates: Iraq Failure Would Be "Calamity".
From Keith Olbermann and MSNBC Olbermann: Where are the checks, balances?.
White House Vs Joint Chiefs on Troop Enhancement. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Peter Baker, and MSNBC White House, Joint chiefs split on more troops
Pentagon warns of risks of ‘surge’ option for Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Miami Herald, Joe Galloway, and Truthout Desperation in the White House.
From CNN Pentagon: Militia more dangerous than al Qaeda in Iraq.
From the Morning Call, Dr. Gary Olson, and Common Dreams Hold Those Responsible for Iraq Accountable.
From the AP and Military.com US Considers Navy Buildup in Mideast.
From Reuters Top U.S. general in Middle East to retire.
From The Nation and John Nichols "Surging" in the Wrong Direction.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and Truthout US Not Winning War in Iraq, Bush Says for 1st Time.
From Truthout, W. Patrick Lang and Ray McGovern It Can't Be Won Militarily; So, Send More Troops?
Time to Do Something About This. Remy Benoit
We need to DEMAND that our Veterans receive proper care. That they don't is just unacceptable.
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Chris Adams VA's ability to provide benefits worsens.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and Truthout US Commanders Wary of Gates Proposal.
Reservists. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Newspapers, Dave Montgomery and Kevin G. Hall, and Truthout Leaned On as Never Before, Reservists Weigh Re-Enlistment.
Bill Moyers: A Parable For Our Times. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine A Parable For Our Times.
A MUST read.
Draft Anyone?. Remy Benoit
From The AP, Kasie Hunt, and Common Dreams
Agency to Test Military Draft Machinery.
Not Unexpected Responses. Remy Benoit
From The Los Angeles Times and Julian E. Barnes Generals: More troops needed in Iraq Commanders made their decision before meeting with Defense Secretary Gates.
From The Los Angeles Times, Molly Hennessy-Fiske, and Common Dreams Trainers Skeptical on Training
The U.S. is likely to add military advisors. But those already present wonder if Iraqi units can benefit from their help.
From the AP and CNN Bush tells U.S. troops in Iraq to expect change in 2007.
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Keeping Christmas alive on a Baghdad street
Perils fail to deter lone tree vendor.
From The Washington Post, Amit R. Paley, and MSNBC Trees for all the troops
Md. man's medic daughter inspires his holiday mission.
From Reuters and MSNBC Defying U.N., Iran vows to accelerate nuke work
Ahmadinejad says sanction backers will soon regret their 'superficial act'.
Down History Lane: Christmas 1932. Remy Benoit
Stan Scislowski is a Canadian WWII Veteran. For many years he took special pride in providing the members of his Legion with their newsletter. Stan is unable to do that now, but his spirit is still full of fun, of laughs, of vigor, and joy in life.
He is the author of Not All of Us Were Brave.
Stan is a special man, and a special friend. Walk with him down History Lane to learn a few things about Christmas, compassion, and being where the need is greatest.
Love to Stan - Blessings to you all.
Miz' Remy
Only two Christmases stand out in my memory. This isn't to say that all the others, especially those when my children were young enough to believe in Santa Claus weren't enjoyable and memorable—they were. But the two I'm speaking about here had come under unusual circumstances and situations, adverse conditions such as should have cloaked them in a shroud of unhappiness.
The first one I speak of is the Christmas of 1932, the year my father died. It was a snowless Christmas, not as cold as one would expect at that time of year. On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, my brother Joe, myself and my sister Olga were sitting on the front steps of our run-down house, a house badly in need of a paint-job. My mother couldn't afford to buy paint.
We sat there talking about Christmas and Santa Claus, of course and I came out with 'I hope Santa Claus brings me a hockey stick and a Snakes & Ladders game.'
My sister piped up with, "Santa Claus doesn't come to poor people's houses."
This shook me to the core, and I exclaimed, "Why?" Olga answered, "Because. He just doesn't come to poor people's houses." Blunt, but true. Strangely though, for a lad as young as I was(8) I thought about it for awhile, and then came to terms with it. "If that's the way it is, then that's the way it has to be."
While we sat there in cheerless conversation under a gloomy sky, a stake truck drove up and stopped in front of our place. A man on the passenger side got out and ran up the sidewalk with a clipboard and a sheaf of papers on it. He showed it to Olga, pointing a finger at a name thereon and asked if this family (ours) lived there (1554 Parent Ave.), to which Olga nodded assent.
The man turned about and hollered to the two men standing amidst a load of bushel baskets, and cardboard cartons. "Okay, fellows, let's go!"
Whereupon the three men carrying two bushel baskets full of groceries, candies, and other Christmas goodies, along with a large meat-basket(never see these around anymore) full of meat and a plucked goose, made their way up the sidewalk.
With the excitement as only kids our age could display at being handed something good and special we followed Olga as she directed the men around to the back entrance where the largesse was deposited on the kitchen floor to the surprise and tearful enjoyment of my mother.
The Goodfellows of Windsor had come through at the last minute and brought Christmas to the Scislowski/Hedgewick household when the prospects of a Merry Christmas appeared so bleak.
Thanks to some kind soul in the neighbourhood for turning in our names to the Goodfellows we were well on the way to having a Christmas celebration, a celebration that would be enhanced by the events of the wee hours of the night when we were tucked away under our feather-tick blankets, sound asleep.
Since Olga had made it known to me that Santa wouldn't be stopping at our house, I had no intention of waking up bright and early on Christmas morning. We had no tree set up and no decorations anywhere in the house. It would be just another humdrum day for us except for the traditional Christmas goose dinner with all the trimmings my mother could now prepare for us.
And so, when morning dawned, while I was deep in some dream long since forgotten, my brother Joe brusquely shook me awake, "Stan, Stan, come on see what Santa brought you!" It took a few seconds to get my wits about me before I leaped out of bed, almost ran into the Quebec heater (an upright wood and coal stove) and when I burst into the living-room, or front room, as we called it, there before my dancing eyes were balloons floating around and garlands hanging from the ceiling, and best of all, a three-foot decorated Christmas tree set up on a table in the corner, around it sat brightly wrapped boxes of gifts from Santa. I literally jumped out of my skin when I spied the hockey stick standing by the table with my name on the tag— To Stanley from Santa. And,yes, there was also a Snakes & Ladders game.
To say our household was filled with excited shouts and squeals of delight and merriness was to describe it in the mildest of terms. It was joy beyond joy and it all came out of adversity.
The Christmas tree and the presents and decorations came out of the hearts and kindness of my oldest sister Annie and my oldest brothers Peter and Mike, who somehow put enough nickels and dimes and pennies together from their meager earnings, Annie's from her house-cleaning jobs and Peter from his door-to-door selling of rugs and vacuum cleaners, and Mike from caddy-jobs and Border City Star paperboy earnings.
The reader, I hope, can see the message therein and why this Christmas of 1932 stands out in the memory.
Not Home for Christmas. Remy Benoit
The media seems to forget that our troops are stationed around the world, not just in Iraq, but in Afghanistan and other uncounted places.
To each and everyone of you, far away from home, from family, from safety, our prayers are with you for your safe return home. Thank you for being there to protect us.
For those of you who are at home, hurting physically, mentally, spiritually we will keep up the fight to get you the care with respect that you have so earned.
Blessings to All, Merry Christmas,
Miz' Remy
From the AP and CNN Soldiering through Christmas in Baghdad.
Gary Jacobson. Remy Benoit
Join Gary Jacobson for A Soldier's Bright Christmas Star at 'Nam Tour.
And here are somethings to think about:
The Miami Herald, W. Patrick Lang and Ray McGovern, and Truthout Troop "Surge" in Iraq Would Be Another Mistake.
The Oregonian, Jeff Kosseff, and Truthout Would You Send Your Relative to Iraq? Wu Asks.
Death count keeps rising. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. military deaths in Iraq pass 9/11 toll
At least 36 Iraqis killed in bombings; 6 American deaths announced.
Joe Biden - No Troop Increases. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Anne Flaherty, and Truthout Biden Vows to Fight Any Iraq Troop Boost.
Crescent City Blues. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, Truthout The Ninth Ward Revisited.
Gerald Ford Passes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gerald Ford dies at 93 Former president took over during depths of Watergate scandal.
From the AP and MSNBC Ford never second-guessed Nixon pardon
Former president hoped to free nation, himself of Watergate wounds.
Ron Kovic: The Forgotten Wounded of Iraq. Remy Benoit
Those of you who have family members who have come home wounded need to read this piece by Ron Kovic, author of Born on the 4th of July.
From Truthdig, Peace Work Magazine, and Ron Kovic The Forgotten Wounded of Iraq.
Ron knows, first hand, what a serious war injury means. Those of you who have family members wounded need to know what to expect.
We all need to stand up for our Veterans and demand decent health care.
Again, again, again, this is a place to start. Contacting Congress.
John Edwards - Presidential Run. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Edwards' Web site jumps gun on presidential run.
One America Committee.
William Rivers Pitt: A Sentinel in Time. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout A Sentinel in Time.
Elizabeth de la Vega: United States v. George W. Bush et al.
From The Portland Herald Press, Bart Jansen, and Truthout Ex-Maine Lawmaker Plans Anti-War Offensive.
From the AP, Will Weissert, and Truthout Many Soldiers Call Troop Surge a Bad Idea.
From The Washington Post, Bob Woodward, and MSNBC Ford disagreed with Bush on invading Iraq
Former president made comments in embargoed interview in July 2004.
Saddam Hussein Hangs at 6 A.M.. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraqi leaders weigh Saddam execution
Source: Ex-leader will be hanged by 6 a.m. Baghdad time.
That is less than an hour our time here.
There has been so very much death in my lifetime.
WWII had just ended when I was born. We followed with Korea, with endless 'brush fire wars,' with Mutually Assured Destruction, with Vietnam, with Desert Storm, with southeastern Europe, with Enduring Freedom, with all the horror in Africa, in Central America, in Afghanistan. I could probably type all night listing the horrors of the Cultural Revolution in China and many other places.
A ruler who takes the wrong path, who takes the path of greed, of destruction, of ego must face the responsibility of his, or her, actions. Those who served him, who followed that path with him, well, we decided at Nuremberg that 'I was just following orders' does not wash.
And so, we must ask ourselves if we are willing to follow the long tentacles of culpability - to those who served a ruler on the wrong path, to those who supplied him, to those who bolstered his rule, to those who tried to use him for their own benefit. Businessmen in Germany thought that they could control, use, Hitler. They found themselves mistaken. Some thought to appease him; they too found themselves mistaken.
Most of us sit about, follow our lives, and do not think of foreign policy that is made in our names.
Perhaps we should.
From MSNBC Nations welcome, condemn Saddam execution
Political, religious leaders weigh in on hanging; Iran and Kuwait celebrate.
The Future of the Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Howard Fineman, and MSNBC The Coming War on the War.
From The New York Times, David S. Cloud, and Truthout Pentagon to Request Billions More in War Money.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com No! to Bush's Double Down.
From the Portland Press Hearld, Gregory D. Kesich, and Common Dreams Demanding Answers, Defending Privacy.
From Reuters, Carey Gillam, and Truthout US Death Toll in Iraq Seen Spurring Anti-War Protests.
From The Institute for Public Accuracy Questions for Colin Powell.
From The Nation and Robert Dreyfuss The Iraq Study Group: A Fatal Flaw.
About those resolutions. Remy Benoit
From Ode Magazine and Peggy O'Mara, some suggestions on coping with the coming year. Food For Optimists.
2007. Remy Benoit
While the world celebrates the New Year, from the AP and MSNBC World welcomes 2007 with fireworks, music. the toll of U.S. forces reaches U.S. sustains 3,000th fatality in Iraq
Texas soldier’s death raises toll to new milestone; Bush weighs his options. How many Iraqis remains unclear.
It is a New Year, it is time for resolution of this engagement. Only you can take care of our Veterans coming home; only you can find resolution to this conflict by insisting that Congress and the President do that.
That is democracy - that is the voice of the people.
This piece from Robert Fisk, a respected journalist who has spent much time in the Middle East and come to know its ways gives food for thought from The Independent, UK, and Common Dreams. He Takes His Secrets to the Grave. Our Complicity Dies with Him.
Foreign is practiced in your name. To learn more, visit with Just Foreign Policy.
A Blessed, Prosperous, and Peaceful New Year.
Miz' Remy
Reflection Time on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Allen G. Breed Time to Reflect as Iraq Toll Hits 3,000.
Sunni Outrage at Execution of Saddam. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Sunni anger spills into Iraq streets
Crowds protest hanging of Saddam; separately, U.S. military toll tops 3,000.
Those Not Coming Home. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson and Josh White, and MSNBC With Iraq war come layers of loss
Troops’ lives changed forever; most in U.S. largely unaffected.
From Newsweek, Michael Hastings, Michael Hirsh and Richard Wolffe, and MSNBC 'Surge' Strategy The military mission is shifting. Are more troops really the answer anymore?
From the AP and CNN Iran vows to 'humiliate' U.S..
From The Toronto Star, Olivia Ward, and Common Dreams Storm Rages Over Trial, Sentence.
PTSD and Heart Attack Connection?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com PTSD may Raise Heart Attack Risk.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, and MSNBC Olbermann: Special comment about ‘sacrifice’
BBC reports Bush will reveal troop surge plan in sacrifice-themed speech.
8/29 Commission. Remy Benoit
From Levees.org a petition to establish just exactly how the levees failed in New Orleans and how they should be rebuilt. Levees.
General Casey. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, David E. Sanger, Michael R. Gordon and John F. Burns and Truthout Chaos Overran Iraq Plan in '06, Bush Team Says.
What happened to where the buck stopped?
Fight Back America. Remy Benoit
From the United Steel Workers Fight Back America.
$210 Million Parachute. Remy Benoit
Having trouble getting a job; paying the heating or electric bill? Well, this CEO isn't!
From the AP and MSNBC Home Depot CEO Nardelli quits
Home-improvement retailer's chief executive had been criticized over pay.
So, do we increase the minimum wage? It would be obscene not to!~
The Children of War . Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Iraq's woes are adding major risks to childbirth
Violence and curfews are curtailing services.
Down History Lane: Richard Nixon. Remy Benoit
Gerry Ford pardoned Nixon, despite the fact that a majority of the people wanted him tried. Mr. Ford wanted to heal the nation, but did have doubts.
Perhaps, well, more than perhaps, they were justified.
From the AP and CNN Angry Nixon vowed to 'ruin' diplomatic corps.
20-40,000 More?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Officials: Bush mulls Iraq surge, address likely next week.
From Paul Rogat Loeb and Common Dreams Gerald Ford's Failure of Nerve.
War Wounded. Remy Benoit
These are not just "statistics." These are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
From Inter Press Service, Aaron Glantz and Veterans for America
Iraq Veterans Left in Physical and Mental Agony.
Yo've Got Mail - the question is, who else has your mail?. Remy Benoit
From The New York Daily Mail, James Gordeon Meek, and Common Dreams New postal law lets Bush peek through your mail.
What Does a Surge Mean?. Remy Benoit
From Time Magazine, Michael Duffy, and CNN What a Surge Really Means Can a couple more divisions in Iraq make a difference? Or is Bush's idea too little, too late?.
Iraq Policy Makers Shakeup. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Robin Wright and Michael Abramowitz, and MSNBC Bush shaking up his Iraq team But as he changes personnel, deep policy divisions remain.
From The Huffington Post, Jonathan Powers, and Veterans for America Editorial: America's New Years Resolution.
From the Hartford Courant, Mathew Kaufman, and Lisa Chedekel, and Veterans for America More Resources Needed, Panel Is Told.
From Other Jones, April Rabkin, and the IAVA IAVA Member Vet Rick Scavetta Interviewed.
From Tom Dispatch, Robert Dreyfuss, and Common Dreams The Surge to Nowhere.
From The New York Times, Bob Hebert, and Common Dreams Another Thousand Lives.
From Kathy Kelley and Truthout Wrapped Around a Bullet.
Bill Moyers: For America's Sake. Remy Benoit
Mr. Moyers feels America needs a different story. Read on to find out why and what.
From The Nation, Bill Moyers, and Truthout For America's Sake.
Pelosi/Reid to Bush: No Troop Surge. Remy Benoit
From CNN Democrats to Bush: No more troops to Iraq.
Iraq Goes On. Remy Benoit
From The AP and MSNBC Al-Maliki: ‘Baghdad security plan is now ready’
Prime minister slams critics of Saddam’s hanging; new violence hits capital.
From the AP and CNN Army asks dead to sign up for another hitch.
From The AP and MSNBC Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq blasted
President expected to unveil strategy next week; top generals replaced.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Another Flight From Reality.
And this view from The Age, in Australia, far less than complimentary. From Bob Ellis, The Age, and Common Dreams Rattled America Will Find It Can't Spin Itself Out of This One.
Turn the Tide?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Rick Atkinson, and MSNBC Can Lt. Gen. Petraeus turn the tide in Iraq?
General known to believe that peace is still possible.
From Defense Tech Our New Man in Iraq (Updated Again).
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Bush puts final touches on new Iraq policy
Critics says ‘surge’ of troops is more of the same.
No blank check. Remy Benoit
From CNN Pelosi: No blank check for troop surge.
100 Hours. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN House Democrats ready to start '100 hour' clock.
Bush Plan: More Troops, More $$?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Sources: Bush's Iraq plan calls for more troops, money.
From The Independent, Chris Floyd, and Truthout New Oil Law Means Victory in Iraq for Bush.
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC War’s toll on Iraqis tripled in late 2006
Health Ministry data show sharp increase in deaths.
From CNN Pelosi: Dems will not cut off Iraq funding.
From United for Peace March on Washington January 27, 2007.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News, and Truthout Bush's Rush to Armageddon.
Drugs from Afghanistan?. Remy Benoit
From Marisa Taylor and the McClatchy Newspapers More heroin from Afghanistan pouring into U.S. cities.
Down History Lane: A Different Perspective. Remy Benoit
Samuel Johnson, Idler No. 22.
Saturday, September 9th, 1758.
Something to consider well.
Minor paragraphing changes have been made for computer reading comfort.
another "two or three years". Remy Benoit
A CNN poll. this morning shows that 81% think that more troops will not solve the problem.
And yet, from The New York Times, John F. Burns, and Truthout War Could Last Years, Commander Says.
The major question remains as to how to support the troops in place, without funding an escalation (remember that word)? From CNN, Ted Barrett, Washington Bureau Chief Democrats considering ways to block escalation of war.
Another question not be asked too loudly is how repairs, maintenance to equipment can be kept up with as it is in constant use, as in the current
moves into Baghdad. From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi forces battle gunmen in central Baghdad
U.S. military serves as backup after militants attack army checkpoints.
A few weeks ago when I was in the Post Office, there were some there mailing big boxes to the soldiers - supplies, razors, shampoo, etc. Keep it up! Any Soldier.
War is personal, very personal. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Tamara Jones, and Veterans for America
The Bravest Front of All.
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and Veterans for America War's Toll on Iraqis Put at 22,950 in '06.
From the IAVA Fox: IAVA Executive Director Discusses Troop Levels.
From the VVAW VVAW Supports All the Troops.
From Veterans for Peace Camp Resistance Sets up Outside Fort Lewis.
From the VFW VFW Supports Veteran's Supreme Court Case.
From Pamela Gentle and Military Families Against the War, UK We have to keep up the fight to get our troops home.
From Reuters, Canada "Many dead" in U.S. strike at al Qaeda in Somalia.
From Reuters, Claudia Parsons Iraq backs Bush troop plan. That is understandable, but the people of the U.S., by a vast majority, do not!
From ABC News, Jake Tapper What Would Democratic Sen. Tyler Durden Do?.
From Reuters and AlertNet IRAQ: Insecurity and poverty put pregnant women in danger.
From Disabled American Veterans Make a Donation. The VA is underfunded by billions. Help the DAV help Veterans. And then call Congress and ask why the VA is underfunded and what they are going to do about it. Contacting the Congress.
If you do not want a troop surge, contact President Bush directly. From General Clark and WesPac Stop the "surge!" Instead, change the strategy!.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldier had homicidal ideas prior to slaughter
AP: Army private was diagnosed as threat before Mahmoudiya killing.
Military Families on Front Lines. Remy Benoit
From Stacy Bannerman and Truthout Military Families on Front Lines of War Protest, Pain.
From The Boston Globe, Scot Lehigh, and Truthout Stopping the Surge.
If that is where you are, there are 160,000 people who have already expressed the same opinion. Move On: Petition: No Escalation in Iraq.
Constitutional Debate?. Remy Benoit
Directions?. Remy Benoit
The President will speak tonight. Teddy Kennedy has already, as many have, said no to what will be proposed. These are the people that WE the People, the Congress, the President and his staff are answerable to. Consider, ask for facts, demands facts, not fear, and answer to these people.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh and Mark Hosenball, and MSNBC Gates Cleans House New Pentagon chief is expected to oust the U.S. general involved in the Somalia strikes.
The President speaks tonight, apparently still planning on more troops despite the voice of the nation, of the Congress. Official: Bush plans 20,000 more troops for Iraq.Surge, escalation, which word fits better? Many of us know the latter word. What number is the magic bullet to make it better? Perhaps we know from experience the answer to that.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Charles Pope Showdown on Bush's Iraq plan State's congressional Democrats skeptical about sending in more troops.
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and the Houston Chronicle Bush to acknowledge mistakes in Iraq, send more troops.
From Tom Andrews and Common Dreams It’s Time for an American Surge To Stop the Bush War in Iraq.
If Senator Biden thinks, as Mr. Andrews notes, that there is nothing we can do about a policy that isn't working, then perhaps the Voice of the American people needs to be. This is a Senator who has tossed his hat into the ring. This is the time to show the country that underneath this toss is man who has the 'right stuff' to be considered. We are talking about American lives here - not just political tosses but American lives, Iraqi lives and heaven only knows how many others.
We are a CAN DO nation. No room for can'ts.
From Jane Bright and Common Dreams Letter From the Heart.
From the AP and Military.com Dems Vow to Resist Iraq Troop Hike.
From The Nation and John Nichols The Senator Who Will Not Surge.
From The Wall Street Journal, David Rogers, and Truthout Murtha Takes Aim at Abu Ghraib.
From The Nation and Katrina Vanden Heuvel
Surge Homeward.
From The Nation and David Enders Iraqi Civilians Brace for a Surge.
From The Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz, Robin Wright and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC On Iraq, Bush to pull away from generals
They initially advised against troop ‘surge’ to combat insurgency.
From John Cory and Truthout Three Thousand Plus One.
From Oliver North and Military.com More Targets.
Your comments are welcome.
Who is taking what stand?. Remy Benoit
From Think Progress Stop the Escalation.
Boomer Nation. Remy Benoit
We are 75,000,000 strong. If we use our voice we have power.
From MSNBC Boomer Nation.
If we want a national health care program, we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want to bolster Social Security, we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want a realistic path in Iraq, etc., we are 75,000,000 strong.
If we want to care for our Veterans, we are 75,000,000 strong.
We are a can do nation - let's do it!
You can reach the White House with your comments at 1-202-456-1111. The phones are very busy today, you may have to wait a moment or two, but be patient.
Politicizing the War. Remy Benoit
From David Corn and Tom Paine Using The War To Win.
War is ugly, maiming, destructive, soul wrenching.
From Fox News and Kelley Beaucar VlahosSoldiers' Lives Saved But Injuries Persist Long After Battle.
The VA is seriously underfunded.
Americans for Shared Sacrifice.
How can we justify making Veterans and then not caring for them?
Your comments are welcome.
Soldiers Doubt Effectiveness of Surge. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Nancy A. Youssef, and Truthout Soldiers Doubt an Influx of American Troops Will Benefit Iraqi Army.
20,000 More. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Text of President Bush's Speech.
Congressman Ike Skelton, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee SKELTON OPPOSES TROOP ESCALATION Iraqis Must Take Responsibility, Says Skelton.
From Fox News Statement from Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
From CNN Democrats: This is not what Americans voted for.
From the AP and CNN Troops who led 2003 invasion deploy for third tour.
From the Sydney Morning Herald Bush's final bid to win in Iraq.
From The Independent, UK and Robert Fisk Robert Fisk: Bush's new strategy.
From The Nation and John Nichols Surging Into A Quagmire.
From OneWorld and Truthout, Haider Rizvi Bush to Face Street Protests over Iraq Escalation Plan.
From ABC News, Erin Hayes at Fort Bragg Soldiers, Military Families Bid Farewell as Troop Surge Begins.
From AFGE Lack of Care for Our Veterans. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
It is up to you to correct it.
The View From Iraqis. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Fox News Many Iraqis Offer Skeptical View of New U.S. Troop Increase.
Get Congress on Record. Remy Benoit
From The Huffington Post, Mark Weisbrot and Robert Naiman "The Four Questions": Get Members of Congress and Presidential Candidates on the Record. The "Surge." The Timetable. The Funding. Talks with Iran. This is not a time for CYA politics...take a stand, or go home and let someone else fill your seat who will. This is not a time for 'open ended' whatever - take a stand and stand by it. Where is Mr. Smith when we need him? Right is right. Why are we so afraid to take a stand and stand by it? Is honor less important than position? What is the position worth without honor?
From The Huffington Post and Eason Gordon
Blog Index RSS 01.11.2007 Dissecting Bush's Iraq Speech: A Graph by Graph Critique.
From Truthout and Jason Leopold The Architect of Mr. Bush's Plan.
Here we go again..... Remy Benoit
From Robert Dreyfuss and Tom Paine Bush Channels Nixon.
From the AP and MSNBC Poll: 70 percent oppose more troops in Iraq
Only 35 percent of respondents believe going to war was the right call.
If this is being questioned, what about the comments from the President about Iran and Syria?
From the New York Times, an Editorial The Real Disaster.
From Norman Solomon and Truthout The Headless Horseman of the Apocalypse.
From Agence France Presse and Common Dreams Bush Plan for Iraq Fails to Sway World Doubters.
From David Corn and The Nation Bush's Reality-Based Desperation.
From Fox News, here is your chance to speak out today - 132,000 + 21,000 = Success?.
Kurds/U.S./Iranian Consulate. Remy Benoit
From NPR,Ivan Watson and Renée Montagne, please do listen to this:
U.S. Raids Iranian Consulate in Iraq.
From NPR A Military Wife on Bush Plan for Troop Increase.
Keith Olbermann. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Countdown Bush's legacy: The president who cried wolf
Olbermann: Bush's strategy fails because it depends on his credibility.
Troops Question 'The Plan". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Troops in Baghdad frustrated with lack of progress in passing the baton.
Ron Kovic: Surging Past the Tipping Point. Remy Benoit
From Ron Kovic, author of Born on the Fourth of July. and Around the World in Eight Days. and Truthdig Surging Past the Tipping Point.
For those of you who do not know his story, do visit with The My Hero Project Peacemaker Hero: Ron Kovic by Nathaniel Moss.
Ron is a man of immense warmth and courage; a man who has been there, knows the human costs of war. He is a man of great compassion, insight, and devotion to "our beautiful country." You would do well to consider his call to action.
Pass on Katrina. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball, and MSBNC Bush’s Best Democratic Buddy Joe Lieberman gives the president a pass on Katrina.
Teaching About Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
Not if Jersey has its way...From the AP and CNN Veterans fight to save school remembrance mandate.
We already teach 'feel good history' instead of the real stuff. Ignoring the price our Veterans have paid for freedom is pathetic.
Support the Veterans on this issue!
Got Kids?. Remy Benoit
Then this is a site you want to go to. Live Secure. You may want to look into the free video being offered. Better safe than oh so sorry. We live in a world where we must watch closely over our children.
We need to work on that too.
From The Nation Magazine. Remy Benoit
Bush Isn't Listening Katrina vanden Heuvel.
Revoke Resoultion?. Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner and Truhout Congressman Acts to Revoke Iraq War Resolution.
Who is in the tent with U.S.?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Nancy Trejos, and MSNBC Battling with Sadr for Iraqi soldiers’ hearts
U.S. troops fear many in Iraqi army are loyal to renegade Shiite cleric.
From the AP and MSNBC Rice criticizes Boxer’s comment on war’s price
Democrat’s remark about personal sacrifice becomes a political flashpoint.
War is very, very personal when it is you or a family member on the front lines. It has nothing to do with "feminist issues," it has to do with staying alive issues. If you wondering about who is going to cover your back, it only adds to the stress, and danger, while you are there. This is a very serious question that the soldiers and Senator Boxer are both raising. Who pays the price?
In a situation where VA funds are much, much too low to cover costs of caring for Veterans, the question becomes even more relevant.
From The Huffington Post, Brady Van Engelen, and Veterans for America What is Sacrifice?.
From the Los Angeles Times, Linda Bimes, and Veterans for America
Op-Ed: The Battle of Iraq's Wounded.
If you need answers about sacrifice, ask the wounded, ask the families of these soldiers CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
In related news from Stateline, Kavan Peterson, and Truthout Governors Lose in Power Struggle Over National Guard.
From Reuters AlertNet US denies military plans against Iran, Syria.
From the AP and Fox News Bush Orders 'Force Protection' Raids Against Iranians in Iraq.
With 2/3rds of the country opposed to the 'surge" and more than that opposed to "bringing on" Iran, where lies the truth? It is up to us to demand that answer.
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and Truthout The Washington War Game.
From The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, and Truthout Pentagon Sees Move in Somalia as Blueprint.
It is that time of year when the server wants paying. If you can help with even the smallest donation, thanks, and please do the PayPal thing at Donations at left.
"Go to the music...". Remy Benoit
That is what a friend tells me when things seem confused, cruel, unrelenting, or just plain fussin' at me!
So, while cleaning up a bit today, I put on some oldies by Pete Seeger, and the question came to mind:
Yes, there are those 'kisses sweeter than wine,' but there is also a proud heritage of a Union Movement, of resistance to monarchy, of revolution, of pulling together through hard times.
Times are hard today for many, but there is not much pulling together.
Times are hard for soldiers and their families, but outside of those on the inside, there is not much pulling together.
Seems he is right - we need to go to the music, our own national music as well as the music of our youth, or dreams, our visions. Might be a good place to pass some time and ask:
Have we forgotten that This land is your land, this land is my land. or do we need to listen to Woodie Guthrie to remember?
Read it, and then sit down and let the old tapes play. Perhaps we need to remember.
All comments, always, welcomed!
We will be sharing more on what we have forgotten about ourselves very soon.
Children of War. Remy Benoit
Charles Aznavour., one of France's great performers and songwriters does a song entitled, Children of War in which he sings of children who have never been young.
Millions of children throughout history have grown up that way. Where does it lead them?
From Newsweek, Christian Caryl, and MSNBC Iraq's Young Blood.
From William Fisher and Truthout Mohamed al-Hatfield vs. Ahmed al-McCoy.
We are the teachers of the children.
We bear that grave responsibility, and I do not use that adjective loosely.
From Der Spiegel, Mark Pitzke, and Truthout "The Most Dangerous Foreign Policy Blunder Since Vietnam".
From the Pittsburg Post Gazette, Tony Norman, and Common Dreams Have You No Decency Mr. President?.
Is the answer to bad planning more blood on all sides?
From MSNBC and Rajiv Chandrasekaran Bush turns to one-time dissenters on Iraq
Officials who derided early policies now asked to help save mission.
From Ari Berman and The Nation Murtha's Plan to Stop Bush.
It is that time of year when the server wants paying. If you can help with even the smallest donation, thanks, and please do the PayPal thing at Donations at left.
Bush Won't Budge. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBCBush says opposition won’t shift his Iraq policy
Cheney blasts Congress’ challenge as a bid to ‘run a war by committee’.
Dr. Martin Luther King. Remy Benoit
Dr. King had a dream, a dream that for many reasons has not yet come to fruition. But a dream is a vision, and a vision must be followed through with by each individual to become reality.
We need to set high goals for dreams.
We need to reach for dreams.
We need to work for dreams.
I find the following article distressing, and it underscores, once again, that history is not being taught as it should be, nor are cultures, art, music, languages, etc. When you 'teach to the test' education falls by the wayside.
From The Washington Post, Valerie Strauss, and MSNBC Despite lessons, some unaware of King's dream
College survey shows some think he was advocating the abolition of slavery.
From Rethinking Schools, a selection of articles on No Child Left Behind The No Child Left Behind Act.
Reading is essential. Literacy is necessary. Without grounding ourselves in literature, in history, in the reasons why we are where we are, we have little to build upon. Join David and Michelle Baldacci at the Wish You Well Foundation. where they advocate and promote literacy. And while you have his name in mind, do read The Camel Club. if you think that the few can and do have impact on those who do not wish us well.
From James Carroll, The Boston Globe, and Truthout An Unrealized Dream of Justice.
Human Costs of War. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Kim Gamel, and Forbes U.N.: 34,000 Iraqis Killed Last Year.
From the AP and Military.com Iran, China Buy U.S. Military Gear.
Appeal for Redress. Remy Benoit
From Stacy Bannerman and Truthout Iraq Vets Call on Congress to End War.
Blood flowing heavily in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Iraq killings increase ahead of crackdown
Multiple blasts, mass shooting kill university students, shoppers at market.
From CDI and Retired Colonel Douglas MacGregor
Surge Toward What? Reinforcing Failure.
Free Retreat in New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Too much Katrina stress getting you down?
Relax. Restore. Transform.
Join us for a FREE retreat to recharge & refresh!
Co-hosted by St. Paul’s Homecoming Center and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. Sponsorship provided by the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
Inner Resources for New Orleanians
Would you like to:
- remain calm and centered in the face of stress?
-use the energy of stressful situations to master your challenges?
-practice research-based techniques for reducing stress?
Saturday, January 20, 2006
Onsite Registration: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Retreat: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, lunch included
Where: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans
Who: All are welcome
Led By: Lynn C. Waelde, Ph.D. and staff of the Inner Resources Center
Dr. Waelde is a: clinical psychologist & meditation teacher noted researcher in the area of yoga and meditation Associate Professor, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology Consulting Assoc. Professor, Stanford Univ. School of Medicine native New Orleanian who knows how to make this fun & easy!
Register: Space is limited!
Reserve your place by telling us your name, phone number, and email: Call 504-483-2212 or
650- 843-3519
Or email
Cost: The retreat and lunch are free! Inner Resources for Stress 8-week manuals with 4 practice CD’s will be available for $25
Lunch will be provided by Trinity Episcopal Church’s Loaves and Fishes program.
Register NOW
"support the prompt withdrawl". Remy Benoit
While the blood keeps flowing in Iraq, active duty members of the military present their views on the situation they face on a daily basis.
From Newsweek, Dan Ephron, and MSNBC 'It's People Dying for No Benefit' A 22-year-old Marine on why he wants Congress to bring the troops home.
From the AP and Military.com US Turns Focus to Iran.
From Just Foreign Policy, here is a lot more information on Iran.
From Marie Cocco and Truthdig and Common Dreams Resolving to End the War.
From the AP, Kim Gamel, and Truthout Four US Soldiers Killed in Iraq.
From the LA Times, Louise Roug and Borzou Daragahi, and Truthout Iraq Edges Closer to Iran, With or Without the US.
From Steve Hammons and Truthout Going in Circles: Vietnam, Iraq, Calls for Impeachment.
"No Confidence". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Lawmakers draft anti-Bush Iraq resolution
Democrats, leading Republican, say more troops not in 'national interest'.
From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Clinton calls for troop cap in Iraq
Sidesteps whether she'd vote to block funding for Bush's troop increase. Time to take a stand, Senator Clinton.
BiPartisan Resolution in Opposition to Bush Policy. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bipartisan resolution opposes Bush plan on Iraq.
From the AP, Anne Flaherty, and Truthout Senators Agree on Iraq War Resolution.
From The Daily Kos This bill's for you: "The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2007".
Full Text H.R. 508 "The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2007."
Where Does Your Senator/Representative Stand on Escalation?. Remy Benoit
From Think Progress Senators and Representatives on Troop Escalation.
New Orleans Update. Remy Benoit
Well, here we are 16 months after Katrina in a major American port city with over 100,000 families still living in FEMA trailers. There are thousands more all along the Gulf Coast. We hear a great deal about Homeland Security, but a major city of our country still needs enormous amounts of work done.
And we have to ask:
Why the delays?
Why contracts with money going out of the state
when the state and its people are in such dire circumstances?
Why are people in Florida still living in trailers from their hurricanes?
From Nola and Bruce Nolan FEMA may delay trailer, rent cutoff State has requested 12 more months.
From USA Today, Peter Eisler, and Truthout New Orleans Feels Pain of Mental Health Crisis.
Alice in Wonderland?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales quizzed on domestic spying
Negroponte cites separation of powers in not giving info to Congress.
Bill Moyers. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at the Media Reform Conference and Common Dreams Life on the Plantation.
And from the New York Times and Bob Hebert The Lost Voice of Protest.
Senator Patrick Leahy: Statement. Remy Benoit
Anti-War Resolutions and more. Remy Benoit
From CNN GOP senator drafting alternative war resolution.
From Bruce Fleming and Military.com Yell Louder When You're Wrong.
From Reuters and MSNBC Bush on Iraq plan: 'I believe it will work'
President asks opponents to 'present a plan you think will work'.
If you look openly at the next few articles, you might consider how much progress we could make, how much communication we could facilitate if we actually talked with each other, openly, without obfuscation.
From the AP and CNN Ministers launch petition to stop Bush library.
From The Nation and George McGovern and Common Dreams An Impartial Interrogation of George W. Bush.
From Win Without War and Common Dreams National Coalition Leader Calls for Binding Congressional Action on Iraq
March on Capitol, Congressional Lobby Day and In-District Actions to Demand Binding Action
Current Non-Binding Resolution Could Leave Members of Congress Off the Hook.
From the BBC News Washington 'snubbed Iran offer'.
From the BBC News Turkish-Armenian writer shot dead.
From Jimmy Carter, The Washington Post, and Truthout A New Chance for Peace?.
From The New York Times, John Holusha, and Truthout Retired Generals Criticize Bush's Plan for Iraq.
There is no stigma in asking for help: please do that. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Soldiers may not get needed mental help
Returning vets aren't screened unless they say they need aid, officer says.
You have served your country; please let your country help you.
Rockefeller Quesitons Bush Intentions on Iran. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, and Truthout Leading Senator Assails President Over Iran Stance.
GO SAINTS !. Remy Benoit
Fans of the Saints are heading to Chicago on The City of New Orleans.
From The Times Picayune, Brendan McCarthy, and Nola All Aboard.
GO SAINTS!
If you can help maintain this site with your donations, please just click at the left. Thanks so much, Miz' Remy.
20 KIA Today. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Third-deadliest day of war for U.S. troops
13 die in helicopter crash; 5 killed in militia attack; roadside bombs claim 2.
Playing Politics With Katrina Disaster?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Brown: Party politics played role in Katrina response.
Congress and the Executive. Remy Benoit
From Jorge Hirsch and Common Dreams How Congress Can Stop the Iran Attack - Or be Complicit in Nuclear War Crimes.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran president defiant on sanction resolutions
Ahmadinejad says move won't change Tehran's nuclear policies.
From the LA Times, Dariush Zahedi and Omid Memarian The clock may be ticking on Iran's fiery president
Pressure from the U.S. and economic isolation may be eroding Ahmadinejad's authority in his own country.
From Newsweek, Brian Braiker, and MSNBC Dirge for a ‘Surge’.
An Editorial by Robert Weitzel at Common Dreams Cure For Yellow Ribbon Patriotism.
A BRAVO to CNN for remembering our Veterans. NN Hummer brings $1.25 million for charity.
From Reuters, Richard Cowan, and Truthout Pentagon Sees US War Cost in Iraq Rising.
If you can assist with the maintenance of this site, please do click on Donations. Thanks!
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN 25 U.S. troops die on one of deadliest days in Iraq.
From The McClatchy Newspapers, The San Jose Mercury News, Leila Fadel and Hussam Ali Details emerge of gunmen, posing as soldiers, attacking U.S. troops in Iraq.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Car bombings kill 60 in Baghdad.
From The Washington Post, Anthony Shadid, and MSNBC War’s Arab supporters bitter over its results
Resentment speaks volumes about U.S. standing in the Middle East.
From SPC Doc Shurley and Military.com One Medic's View.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Postponed Sacrifices.
From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Elizabeth Sullivan, and Common Dreams War Hits Home in Pockets of Pain.
Sometimes there are things we need to consider; things that works of fiction can bring to us. Try this one from best selling author David Baldacci The Camel Club.
Born Fighting PAC. Remy Benoit
Tomorrow night, January 23rd, Senator James Webb will give the Democratic response to President Bush's State of the Union Speech. Webb is Virginia's new Senator, a distinguished Veteran, and well known author.
Join him at Born Fighting PAC.
I highly recommend his novels.
There are more - just keep looking.
Warner Resolution. Remy Benoit
Senator John Warner (R) former Republican Chairmand of Senate Armed Services Committee and CNN Warner Leads Effort on Second Resolution Criticizing Bush's Iraq Plan.
Also from CNN Market bombs kill 100 in 2 Iraqi cities.
No confidence in Bush?. Remy Benoit
From NBC, Mark Murray, and MSNBC Nearly two-thirds in U.S. have given up on Iraq
NBC/WSJ poll: Bush ‘really in the cellar of public opinion’.
From Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, and MSNBC The Limits of Democracy The elections in Iraq had wondrous aspects, but they also divided the country into three communities and hardened the splits.
From CNN Bush faces angry, dissatisfied electorate in speech.
From Reuters, David Morgan, and Truthout Top Senate Democrat Concerned About Bush and Iran.
From the AP and Military.com Petraeus Goes Before Senate Panel.
From Ray McGovern and Tom Paine Show Me the Intelligence.
Strife in Lebanon. Remy Benoit
James Carroll: An Editorial. Remy Benoit
From The Boston Globe, James Carroll, and Common Dreams Sigh for America.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Jeffrey Bartholet, and MSNBC The Taliban’s ‘Bloody Spring’ Afghanistan’s ambassador to the U.S. expects fresh American funds to help fight a resurgent enemy.
For a Just Foreign Policy. Remy Benoit
From Patrick McElwee, a national organizer with Just Foreign Policy. and former legislative assistant at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Common Dreams. Moves Toward War with Iran: We Must Stop This.
From the AP and Truthout US Warns Iran to Back Down.
State of the Union. Remy Benoit
For differing perspectives on the State of the Union:
From MSNBC Full text of 2007 State of the Union speech
As delivered by President George W. Bush, Jan. 23, 2007.
Our thanks to Senator Webb for reminding the President of the promises to be there for New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast. If you have ideas on how to protect us, rebuild us, do go to the discussion at Louisiana Speaks.
If you want to understand how precious Louisiana is to us, look for this volume coming in the Spring from Pelican Press. Louisiana in Words.
More Doubtful GOP. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC More GOP expressing doubt about Iraq strategy
Senate committee vote today on resolution opposing Bush's troop decision.
Conflict over Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Cheney: Talk of blunders in Iraq is 'hogwash'.
From the AP and CNN
Democrats try to win GOP support for Iraq resolution .
From the AP, Qassim Abdul-Zahra, and The Houston Chronicle Iraq PM outlines coming security sweep.
From Alexandra Zavis and The LA Times U.S.-Iraqi forces strike 'Sniper Alley'
The operation targets a Sunni insurgent enclave in a residential and commercial area near Baghdad's Green Zone.
From The Baltimore Sun, Cynthia Tucker, and Truthout Speaking Out Now Against the Iraq Disaster Is Too Little, Too Late.
New Orleans and President Bush. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and Truthout New Orleans Not Part of Bush's Speech.
Even if the President has nothing to say about Louisiana and her reconstruction, you can say what you think will work.
Interested in Helping to Make a Better World?. Remy Benoit
Try World Changing.
and then join me at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Change the World.
Warnings and Anguish. Remy Benoit
Foreign policy must be based on active diplomacy and a cooperation between Congress and the President. In the case of the UN, the United States is a member of an international organization, and, as such, should be advised by its overall take on any given situation.
From the AP and MSNBC ElBaradei warns on Iran nuclear facilities attack
‘Preventive strike would be catastrophic,’ IAEA chief says.
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Anguished’ senators try to find way on Iraq
Lawmakers try to balance opposition to Bush ‘surge’ with support for troops.
Democracy Means Taking a Stand. Remy Benoit
The President gave his State of the Union Address the other night. Senator Webb of Virginia responded.
Now it is time for Americans to respond to a wide variety of issues as things all around escalate. That word, escalate, for those of us of a certain age, is a very uncomfortable word.
Remember, what is done by the government officials in a democracy, is done in your name, by your consent, or abdication of responsibility to assent or dissent.
From The Washington Post, Dafna Linzer, and MSNBC U.S. troops authorized to kill Iranians in Iraq
Policy on operatives stirs concern among some U.S. officials.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush wants to increase aid to Afghanistan
President seeks additional $10.6 billion for security forces, reconstruction.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh, and MSNBC Washington: A Dysfunctional Democracy
U.S. policymakers are asking if Maliki can deliver. The world is wondering the same thing about us.
From the McClatchey Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay and Truthout Rockefeller: Cheney Applied "Constant" Pressure to Stall Investigation on Flawed Iraq Intelligence.
From Tom Paine and Tom Engleheart The Forgotten American Dead.
If we don't know who we are; if we don't take a stand for who we are, how can we possibly expect others abroad to know who we are? Robert Scheer of Truthdig presents us with an uncomfortable assessment of who we are and what we are doing. The World Agrees: Stop Him.
From The Politico, Josephine Hearn and Mike Allen, and Truthout Pelosi Hits Bush for Failing to Consult on Iraq Plan.
Your chance to take a position, to take a stand with Congress.
From The Nation, Scott Ritter, and Common Dreams Stop the Iran War Before It Starts.
From The New York Times, Jeff Zeleny and Carl Hulse, and Truthout Groups Head to Capital to Step Up Anti-War Drive.
From Tom Paine, an Editorial We Gave War a Chance.
"When does the greed stop?". Remy Benoit
From BobGeiger.blogspot.com and Truthout Kennedy to Republicans: "What Is it About Working Men and Women That You Find so Offensive?".
Anti-War Rally Today. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Melissa Block Anti-War Rally.
Perhaps Ms. Fonda could stay home and give more credibility to others speaking their minds. She still doesn't seem to "get it."
From Medea Benjamin and Common Dreams The Peace Movement to Congress on Eve of Mobilization.
In Iraq the violence continues. From the AP and MSNBC Car bomb kills 13 in Baghdad Shiite district
More than 40 wounded; elsewhere, U.S. airstrikes kill 14 terror suspects.
From the LA Times, Borzu Daragahi, and the Kansas City Star U.S. soldiers were slain after capture An elaborate assault has the military looking into questions surrounding a security breakdown.
From the AP and MSNBC Soldiers killed in Karbala were first abducted
U.S. military earlier said they died repelling a sneak attack.
The war goes on in Afghanistan too. From the AP and MSNBC Suspected Taliban leader killed in NATO strike In Kabul, official who oversaw Buddha statues’ destruction gunned down.
From Vincent Jauvert, Le Nouvel Observateur,
and Truthout Bush: After Iraq, Iran?.
30% Approval Rating. Remy Benoit
That is the State of the ratings for President Bush according to a Newsweek Poll with Brian Braiker at MSNBC A Sorry State.
Protesters were quite vocal in DC today as they marched from the Mall to the Pentagon while C-Span gave live coverage and the main stations carried on for the most part with business as usual. From MSNBC War protesters demand U.S. troop withdrawal
Tens of thousands of demonstrators and handful of celebrities rally in D.C..
Perhaps the media needs to catch up with the people of the country and exercise its function as the 4th Estate.
Mayor "Rocky" Anderson of Salt Lake City was quite eloquent. Perhaps more should be aware of the potential of this mayor who is doing good things for his city. From The Nation and Sasha Abramsky Rocky Anderson, Folk Hero?. Some say Mayor Anderson doesn't have a chance nationally as the pary machine is supposedly not behind him. Well, maybe its time for the people to say who they want to know more about? Mayor Anderson, perhaps you have some ideas for N'Awlins? We surely need them!
And BRAVO! to Susan Sarandon for telling it like it is as to the inadequate care of our Veterans. How does any Administration, how does any Congress, justify making Veterans and not seeing that the money and facilities are in place to care not only for those we already have, which is not being adequately done, but to also care for the new ones that are made each day. You will have to note that in searching the major media outlets for numbers of daily WIA information that it is hard to find. Why? Why not face the reality of what is happening? Why not fund care for the Veterans? We want answers, and action, on that. Only you can demand that. Please, please, do.
War is Personal. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Weston Kosova, and MSNBC The True Cost of War.
Look at the pictures of these people; they are not just "troops" they were individuals with families, hopes, dreams, and lives.
It is our responsibility to know what we are waging war about; to try to find better ways to resolve problems, cultural differences.
When you think about the fact that at one point we put up safety gates, used car seats, stayed up all night with their fevers, we have to ask ourselves why we accept so readily sending our once children to war? And then, why do we not demand that there is readily available treatment for them when they come home with physical injuries, trauma, and soul pieces missing?
Something to think about today.
In the last 3 days, 12 more KIA From the Ap and MSNBC Seven US Troops Killed in Iraq. How do we measure "success"?
War Profiteering?. Remy Benoit
From the AP, John Heilprin, and Truthout Army Probes War Contractor Fraud.
From the AP and MSNBC Sen. Biden chides Bush’s ‘failed policy’ in Iraq
Dem presidential hopeful says lack of strategy is ‘emboldening the enemy.
Najaf and More. Remy Benoit
From CNN Najaf battle winding down, officials say.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Pie-in-the-Sky Dream.
From the AP and Military.com Military to Cut Back on 'Stop Loss'.
Louisiana, Blanco, and Requests for Investigations into Katrina Related Issues. Remy Benoit
From NOLA, the Times Picayune, and Bill Walsh Behind in polls, Blanco blasts Bush Laying blame may backfire, some say.
Anderson Cooper: Healing Heroes. Remy Benoit
Check out CNN and Anderson Cooper tonight at 10 Eastern Healing Heroes.
Iraq and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Army opens high tech rehab center for injured troops.
A CNN Special Report with Anderson Cooper Coming Home: Families and War.
From the AP and MSNBC Troops, families can dial for mental health help
Anonymous phone-in program for sufferers of post-traumatic stress.
From the AP and MSNBC Over 1,000 Afghan civilians said killed in '06
In all, Human Rights Watch says 4,400 died in conflict-related violence.
War Powers Debates. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Congress weighing strength of its war powers.
"Time is short...". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Time is short' in Iraq, commander nominee says.
From the AP and MSNBC Chairman: Bush officials misled public on global warming.
A Letter from a Gold Star Mother. Remy Benoit
From Amy Branham and Truthout Honor. Duty. Country.
Senator Feingold, et.al.. Remy Benoit
From NPR and David Welna Feingold Leads Discussion of Congress Ending War.
Continuing Katrina Woes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Consulting company targeted in Katrina blame
Lawmakers, residents want contractor in charge of dispensing billions fired.
Iraq: Millions Gone Wasted. Remy Benoit
From Reuters U.S. aid in Iraq lost to poor oversight - report.
Global What? Spare Parts? Whose Power Anyway?. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times and Richard Simon White House climate documents sought
Waxman demands answers as his House oversight panel hears testimony of administration interference in global warming reports.
From the AP and CNN Pentagon halts sales of F-14 parts.
From the AP and CNN Senators warn of drift toward war with Iran.
From CNN Feingold urges Dem colleagues to cut off funding for Iraq war.
Credibility Gap?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Keith Olbermann's Special Comment on President Bush and the things he says he prevented Bush shoots for ‘Jaws,’ delivers ‘Jaws 2’
President claimed to stop four terror plots, but where is the evidence?.
Interested in a Healing Journey to Vietnam with Edward Tick?. Remy Benoit
Visit with Mentoring the Soul: Viet Nam: A Journey of Healing and Peace.
Botched Training?. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Laurie Kellman, and Truthout US May Have Botched Training of Iraqis.
Questions Continue. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC General who led Iraq war faces 'painful' scrutiny
Casey testifies for new Pentagon job as anti-surge resolution gains backing.
From the AP and CNN Senate foes of Bush troop buildup join forces.
From CNN Al-Maliki: Iraq won't be battleground for U.S., Iran.
From Le Figaro, Delphine Minoui, and Truthout Iranians Worry About a Possible American Attack.
From The New York Times, James Bramford, and Common Dreams Bush Is Not Above the Law.
From The Baltimore Sun, David Wood, and Tom Paine Little to show for U.S. billions spent on Iraq reconstruction Corruption, violence sap rebuilding, report finds.
Visit with Vote Vets.
Things Heating Up?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Warming ‘very likely’ due to man, report says.
From the AP and MSNBC And the Nobel Peace Prize goes to ... Al Gore?.
To War of Not to War?. Remy Benoit
From Senator Russ Feingold and Tom Paine How To End The War.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush administration seeks $245B for wars
Includes additional funding for 2007, $145B for 2008.
From Bill Quigley and Common Dreams Grandmothers for Peace Get Federal Prison Instead.
This week Molly Ivins passed on. John Nichols honors her memory in the article below. Molly asks that we Stand Up Against the Surge. in this piece from the Creative Syndicate and Common Dreams. From John Nichols, The Nation, and Common DreamsRemembering Molly Ivins.
Paul Rieckhoff: IAVA Legislative Priorities. Remy Benoit
Turmoil in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Intel study: Iraq challenge 'daunting'
Finds term 'civil war' doesn't capture the complex situation in Iraq.
"Robbing from Peter to pay Paul". Remy Benoit
It is 17 months since Katrina and the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, the Crescent City Jewel, are hurting. Levees, well designed, in place, are the key to the security of this great port city. Yet the new 'plan' calls for moving $$ from one levee project to another, leaving them as usual, well, let's politely say, 'half done.' Anyone who knows anything about the power of water, knows better. Visit Levees.org.
From NOLA, The Times Picayune, and Sheila Grissett Details of Bush levee budget revealed
East bank dollars siphoned across river.
This is the same kind of thinking that sends soldiers into combat without the proper equipment, letting them buy their own, if they can; it is the same kind of thinking that makes Veterans by the thousands and does not fund their care. It is the same kind of thinking that has wasted billions in Iraq. It is the same kind of thinking that makes an 'entrance plan' but not an exit one.
From CNN Truck bomb kills more than 100 in Baghdad market.
From CNN Top Iraqi Shiite: Sectarian bloodshed aids agitators.
We need a new kind of rational thinking.
Thursday night, tornadoes ate parts of Florida, including The Villages, where some dear friends just moved. Can't get through on the phone, so if anyone has spoken with Al and Lourdes, please get back to me. I am very concerned for them.
From CNN Federal aid sought after Florida's ferocious storms.
The news reports say that FEMA trailers are on their way to the damaged areas. Be aware, that FEMA trailers cannot be occupied until they are hooked up to power and water sources. That will not happen over night. Perhaps it is time to give thought to a national catastrophic insurance fund.
Many people are not aware that many people in Florida are still living under the infamous 'blue roofs' from pre-Katrina hurricanes. Doesn't say much for homeland security now does it?
Anyone given any thought to a new Civilian Conservation Corps; a new Works Projects Administration for disaster areas which just keep piling up on us? Hey, would love to see the historians, like Doug Brinkley The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. continue this story as it unfolds, wrinkles, turns back on itself, and goes nowhere fast. Bobby Jindal wants Kathy Blanco's job. We want the Gulf Coast made right. Anybody out there ready to just do it?
We don't see the wounded and dead come home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We don't see anymore pictures of the Gulf Coast in ruins. We see mass media hyping this actor, this tart, this whatever. Maybe some real news...maybe individual papers and stations not owned by a few big corporations is the answer to the news; the answer to mobilizing this country behind itself when it sees, for true, as they say, those without jobs, without homes; when they see the growing gap between the economic groups, when they see our schools, our children, our Veterans, and our cities totally left behind.
From the AP and MSNBC $3T Bush budget to trim domestic programs
Monday plan to kick off major debate with Democratic-controlled Congress.
Visit Louisiana Speaks. and speak out.
Coming soon, a taste of the wonder of Louisiana from Pelican Press Louisiana in Words. It was great fun writing it; it will be soul touching reading it! Join us.
Greenhouse Gases. Remy Benoit
From the AP, John Heilprin, and Truthout White House Rejects Mandatory CO2 Caps.
"disastrous consequences". Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN Former military chiefs urge talks with Iran.
Speaking of 'dire consequences' another area that needs talking and communication involves the planet and global warming. Here are some answers to that problem from the American Solar Energy Society. Tackling Climate Change in the U.S. Potential Carbon Emissions Reductions
from Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030.
The security of our nation is not just the responsibility of our soldiers; it belongs to all of us.
You can make your voice heard by Contacting Congress. on environmental and war issues.
You can contact the White House.
You can learn more, do more when you learn about important issues at Earth First.; at Better World..
Can you mix the military and environmental concerns? Read on and see what a Marine General has to say. Restoring the Wild by Marilyn Berlin Snell.
If you have ideas you would like to share, please do join me at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. and you will find a place for your ideas to 'get out there.'
Where to go?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC War in Iraq propelling a massive migration Wave of nearly 2 million Iraqis creates tension across the Middle East.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S.: Helicopter losses due to ground fire
Four aircraft have crashed in Iraq since Jan. 20; unclear if new threat exists.
From the AP and Military.com Truck Bomb Obliterates Baghdad.
From the AP and Military.com Vietnam Vets to Vote on Surge.
From Kathy Roth-Douquet and Military.com War and The People's Support.
From Christopher Brauchli and Common Dreams 'Are the Children to Receive the Arms Race from Us as a Necessary Inheritance?.
From the UK, Chris Floyd, and Truthout Bush Backers Offer Payoffs to Undercut Global Warming.
From The New York Times, Scott Shane and Ron Nixon, and Truthout In Washington, Contractors Take On Biggest Role Ever.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay and Warren P. Strobel, and Truthout Justifications for Attacking Iran on Shaky Ground.
Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Dinner Dance. Remy Benoit
"Warrior Intellectuals". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and CNN Petraeus selects team of warrior-intellectuals
Army turning Iraq war over to its dissidents.
I heard Dan Rather say the other day that if anyone could do this job, Petraeus can.
Yet let's take this whole picture, war, foreign affairs, trade, domestic problems, food with growth hormones, catastrophic insurance for natural disasters as well as health care, the infamous Plan D for prescriptions, all of it and consider them all for a moment.
The President's idea is to spread democracy. The key word there is democracy, which is what we still have, if we protect it.
Democracy is not just a word; it is a way of life.
It is active participation by the people, all the people, to find the way through the mazes of life.
I have always taught my children that there is something that we can learn from each and every person on the planet. Everyone knows how to do something, and we should never get so 'convinced' that we know the best way that we are not opening to learning another way, a way that just might be better than the one we are following.
The object of this website is to make the soldiers and Veterans know we as a people care; to provide them with many, many links to get the help they need; to help keep us informed of what is being done for us, to us, and in our names.
It cannot be said that an individual voice cannot be heard. We have the Net, we have phones, cell phones, the USPS, all kinds of devices and means to get our ideas to the power brokers we elect, if we choose to get out and vote, to state offices, to the Congress, to the White House.
Our soldiers are dying, being wounded in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and a lot of other places. The VA is severely underfunded; Iraqis and Afghanis are dying; natural disasters have leveled parts of our country; poverty is rampant here; millions have no health insurance; the educational system is a mess; medical costs strip our elderly of any fall back money; our environment is being abused; the climate is changing, and the list could go on all day long.
We can change all that with our input, with our demands for accountability. To do that we must put forth ideas, write letters, send e-mails, make phone calls. Aren't you tired of voting for the lesser negative choice of candidates? Aren't tired of being told very little of substance; of being bombarded with platitudes and fear?
Aren't you tired of being called unpatriotic if you disagree with the party line?
This is your country, thus your responsibility. Accept that responsibility, put forth your ideas, challenge "authority" on which way is the right way. Make your voice heard. Write back here; upload your ideas at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
Call, or write, or e-mail your elected Representatives, Senators, Executives, State, city, country, or parish officials. You have a wealth of know-how, of knowledge, of concerns, of demands. It should not take years and years to enact a decent minimum wage, to rebuild devastated areas. No war should be entered into without an exit plan. Constitutional prerogatives of the three branches of government must be maintained as well as the Bill of Rights. Speaking out for just one right that is your particular favorite won't work. You must speak out and up for all of them.
Once again, Contacting the Congress.
Once again, Contacting the White House.
Contacting State Officials.
Louisiana Speaks.
This is not the time for 'summer soldiers and sunshine patriots', or civilians. There is no time like that in a democracy, but always the need for 'eternal vigilance.'
Your donations will help pay the server bill for this site. Thanks. Blessings, Miz' Remy
Toni McElroy and Kevin Whelan: Rebuild New Orleans, Rebuild America. Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine Toni McElroy and Kevin Whelan: Rebuild New Orleans, Rebuild America.
Why not a new CCC or a new WPA? How can we expect to rebuild other countries if we can't take care of our own?
We need to ask why we don't take care of our own.
It has been 17 months and we are going nowhere fast. That is just not acceptable and there must be some accountability demanded.
With campaigning already in full swing for '08 isn't there a candidate for the state/federal level with a real, practical plan for rebuilding? There only will be if you demand one.
Taking money from one levee project to put it in another is absurd, and inherently unproductive.
Louisiana Speaks.
Levees.
The promise was made to take care of the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast residents, like those in other disaster areas, are waiting for the promise to be fulfilled.
With the bad weather, cattle freezing to death, crops destroyed by frost, etc., we face a tough year ahead on many levels.
Speak up, America, and check the article just below this one for lots of links where you can speak up.
We are a CAN DO nation. Let's do it.
John Edwards: A Health Care Plan. Remy Benoit
Universal Health Care Through Shared Responsibility.
Mr. Edwards thoughts are in this.
What are your thoughts?
Senate Is NOT Listening to the People. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC GOP blocks Senate debate on troop buildup
Thwarted Democrats pledge to find another way to force Bush’s hand.
If not now, when?
Step It Up 2007. Remy Benoit
From Tara Lohan and AlterNet.org The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Stop Global Warming.
Where is the Money?. Remy Benoit
From Lisa Myers, Christiana Arvetis & the NBC News Investigative Unit and MSNBC Gulf residents wonder, where is all the money?
Only half of the $110 billion appropriated has been spent.
From Sign On San Diego and Kelli Kennedy Recovery from Florida tornadoes pauses for service at site f church destroyed in storms.
Which area is next? Are we prepared to deal with catastrophe?
"A Thankless Task". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Joshua Partlow, and MSNBC U.S. unit walks fine line in Baghdad
Soldiers say trying to gain Iraqis’ cooperation a thankless task.
From the AP, Qassim Abdul-Zahra, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Iraqi Gunmen seize Iranian diplomat.
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Military.com Congress Short on Military Experience. One of the areas of concern in this article is that Congress members without military experience will not understand the needs of Veterans. Members of Congress are not the only ones who seem to fall into this category or the VA would not be running with billions of dollars of short fall. It is simply immoral to make Veterans and to not take care of them with respect, with proper facilities and treatment.
From the AP and Military.com Bush War Budget Takes From U.S. Poor.
From the World Security Institute and Bipasha Ray Experts Give Poor Grades To Expected Defense Budget Proposal.
From the Financial Times, Stephanie Kirchgaessner , and Truthout Hearings Mark Tougher Oversight of War Contracts.
From Consortium News, Robert Parry, and Truthout Bush Is Hiding the Ball on Iran.
And this view of US from the UK, the Guardian, Gary Younge, and Common Dreams Obsessed by Personalities, They've Forgotten What Democracy is for The US media is gripped by election fever - but discusses the candidates' highs and lows rather than the real social issues.
Perhaps more on social issues and realities rather than what celeb is doing what would be appropriate.
While you are sitting in front of your computer, please take a moment to go to The Hunger Site. and give a cup of food to someone who is hungry. No cost to you, food to them. Do it everyday. Less hunger, less angst, less war.
An Alert From Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Demand Congressional Action on War Expansion.
From the Star-Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul, an Editorial Editorial: Republicans are afraid of Senate Iraq debate
And milquetoast Democrats let them succeed in quashing it.
We have a Constitutional problem here concerning just how far war powers go in Congress, in the Executive. The Balance of Power is essential to our democracy. With the "Iranian Crisis" in tow, resolution of this problem is necessary, now.
From MSNBC and Alex Johnson Exasperated House bypasses Senate on Iraq
Representatives schedule their own vote to oppose Bush’s troop ‘surge’.
From Newsweek, Stefan Theil, and MSNBC 7 Ways to Save the World.
From Reuters and CNN Lawmaker: U.S. sent giant pallets of cash into Iraq.
From The Washington Post, Renae Merle, and MSNBC Problems stall Pentagon’s new fighting vehicle
Costly amphibious craft breaks down often, leaks.
From Newsweek, Babak Dehghanpisheh, and MSNBC ‘Give Us the Proof’
Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad responds to charges that Tehran is fostering sectarian violence and helping insurgents in Iraq..
From Military.com 2007 Military.com Career Fair Schedule.
Unity '08. Remy Benoit
Interested in another way?
A grass roots way?
Check out Unity08.
Iran Warns U.S. Against Attack. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iran’s leader warns U.S. against attack Khamenei says Iran prepared to strike American interests around the world.
Joe Galloway and More. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Joe Galloway Billions and billions of dollars just disappear in Iraq.
From CNN Deadly jobs of Iraq contractors examined in Congress.
From the New York Times News Service, Philip Shenon, and the Chicago Tribune Army balks at Halliburton payout.
From CorpWatch, Jason Leopold, and Truthout IRAQ: Top Democrat: Halliburton Violated Multibillion Dollar Iraq Contract.
Vote Vets on Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From the Washington Post and Lyndsey Layton and Jonathan Weisman Veterans Group Speaks Out on War
Congressional Democrats Let VoteVets.org Talk for Them, Bluntly.
"Dubious" intel. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Walter Pincus and R. Jeffrey Smith, and MSNBC Probe: Prewar intel inappropriate but not illegal
Pentagon report says ex-policy chief gave 'dubious' info to White House.
From the AP and CNN Levin: Pentagon Iraq intelligence report 'very damning'.
From the AP, Robert Burns Military Writer, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Report says Pentagon manipulated intel.
From SF Gate and Edward Epstein
House debate, vote on Iraq war set for next week
Top Dems crafting resolution protesting Bush's decision to send more U.S. troops.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Jonathan S. Landay, and the San Jose Mercury News Pentagon office produced `alternative' intelligence on Iraq.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP, George Jahn, and the San Hose Mercury News Iran nuke envoy, IAEA official to meet.
From Newsweek, The World From Washington, Michael Hirsch, and MSNBC And the Winner Is..... Remy Benoit
From the Department of English and Comparative Literature of the San Jose State University, the winner of this year's contest for bad opening lines to an imaginary novel Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest 2006 Results.
Enjoy!
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Petraeus: Baghdad crackdown must succeed
New commander says 'mission doable' but Iraq will be 'doomed' if it fails.
From The Nation and Jon Wiener Terror at the Nixon Library.
From CNN and Kevin Bohn Libby trial provides a rare look inside the grand jury.
From the AP and Military.com Afghanistan Troop Buildup Extended.
From Find Law, Common Dreams and John W. Dean Leading Experts Say Congress Must Stop An Attack on Iran: Is That Constitutionally Possible?
Absolutely - According to Experts on Both Sides of the Aisle.
You can contact Congress with your views at Contacting the Congress.
You can contact the White House Contacting the White House.
From the AP and MSNBC Putin: U.S. pushes nations to pursue nukes
Russian leader blasts 'almost uncontained' use of force in the world.
From The Washington Post, MSNBC, and Dafna Linzer Al-Qaida suspects color debate over Iran
White House offensive could prompt Tehran to free terror suspects.
Words for Thought. Remy Benoit
Editorials from The Nation For the Republic.
From Exploring Constitutional Rights War and Treaty Powers The issue: How have the war and treaty powers in the Constitution been interpreted?
Editorial from The Nation Into 2008.
On the subject of the "American Dream" from The Nation and Jeff Madrick Goodbye, Horatio Alger.
Bravo to Paul Reickhof of the IAVA at the Huffington Post for saying what most of us are thinking, and writing to stations about Anna Nicole Smith Died. So Did Three American Troops.
From the AP, Pete Yost, and Yahoo News Trial exposes White House crisis machine.
From the AP, Lolita C. Baldor, and Yahoo News Official: Lawmakers see Iran explosives.
From the McClatchy Newspapers and David Goldstein USDA may allow China to import chickens to U.S.
Why Don't We Get It? Veterans need help!. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Chris Adams VA system ill-equipped to treat mental anguish of war.
It is up to us to demand that adequate funding is given to the VA. Contact your Senators and Representatives. It is just wrong, plain wrong, to make Veterans and then not care for them. They are not 'disposable' weapons of war; they are part of our extended national family. Please, call and do not stop calling until Congress and the President "get it."
From the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Background & Statistics on Homeless Veterans.
When I got up this morning, here, deep in the Southland, it was 36 degrees. Perhaps you are up North where the temps are in the single digits?
Where are the homeless Veterans in your town sleeping tonight?
It is a national disgrace that Veterans do not get proper and respectful care. Do something about that. Today.
Read this book, look at the work he is doing. Send a copy of the book to your Senator and Representatives. Edward Tick: War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Visit with, and then send a friend who needs help to Mentoring the Soul.
Let's GET IT America, they are our own flesh and blood and they need help. Bumper stickers don't help. Your demands for proper care will see that it is funded and given. It is your responsibility. They have fulfilled theirs.
Moving Toward the Dangerous. Remy Benoit
In the election of last November, the American people spoke - we want this war with Iraq to end; to have diplomacy put to work, as it should have been in the first place, to end an internal problem. I watched the Senate play with words, and go nowhere.
This week each member of the House will be given 5 minutes to speak. Perhaps they can get somewhere.
Vote Vets. has taken a position. Have you? Have you made it know to Congress?
In the meantime, while there are disputes over Speaker Pelosi's aircraft; in the meantime, while Congress squabbles over a somewhat decent minimum wage, and Teddy Kennedy asks when the greed will end, corporate golden parachutes are absurd, and the middle class is disappearing.
In the meantime, New Orleans lies in ruins, still.]
In the meantime, from the AP and Truthout Lawmakers Accuse Bush Administration of Homeland Security "On the Cheap".
In the meantime, from Newsweek, Michael Hirsh and Maziar Bahari, and MSNBC Rumors of War. with Iran.
In the meantime, consider this article by Jon Weiner at The Nation Why We Love War.
Pick up a copy of this book and read it Dave Grossman:On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society.
While you are considering that, do go out of your way to see Joyeux Noel. a story of the Christmas Eve peace in 1914 in the 'War to end all wars.' Lest we forget the carnage of that war First World War Casualties.
Why do things change for the convenient instead of the correct? From The Washington Post, John Solomon, and MSNBC McCain taps cash he sought to limit Onetime campaign finance reformer calls on big donors.
Meanwhile, from Matthew Herper and Forbes, yet another company finds it way out of the States Top Of The News: Motorola Layoffs.
Meanwhile, are you aware of this Bill in the House endorsed by Physicians for a National Health Care Program? The National Health Insurance Bill (HR 676). It may not be the perfect bill, but it is a bill in the right direction when millions of Americans have no health care.
Democracy can only work if you show up!
From William Rivers Pitt and Truthout The 21st Century Sucks. These are his ideas. What are your ideas on the potential for the 21st Century, and how will you see them implemented?
From the AP and MSNBC Gates: Prisoner scandals hurt U.S. reputation Defense secretary brushes off harsh remarks by Putin at conference.
Consider this piece by Negar Asimi at The Nation Bloggers Against Torture: How the Web Has Changed Egypt's Political Terrain.
PLEASE Sign this Petition to Sec. Nicholson. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA Petition VA Sec. Nicholson to Increase Mental Health Staffing.
Armor Kits. Remy Benoit
During WWII businesses were converted to manufacture what was needed for the war effort. That is not so for this one it seems.
From The Washington Post, Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Many Army Humvees lack armor upgrade
Officials see rising threat from lethal weapons linked to Iran.
From CNN More than 70 killed on day marking Golden Mosque attack.
From the AP and MSNBC Iran rejects allegations it armed Iraq insurgents
U.S. military says orders to send bomb components came from top officials.
From Ward Carroll, Editor of Military.com Inappropriate Not Illegal.
This view from Ewan MacAskill, the Guardian, UK, and Common Dreams Target Iran: US Able to Strike in the Spring espite denials, Pentagon plans for possible attack on nuclear sites are well advanced.
This position from Just Foreign Policy Petition to President Bush RE: Iran.
From The Washington Post, Lyndsey Layton and Jonathan Weisman GOP Expects Defections as House Debates Iraq Resolution.
Joe Galloway: Hagel and Webb. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Washington Bureau and Joe Galloway Hagel and Webb: Two profiles in courage.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
Down History Lane with Andrew Higgins and his work for the war effort of WWII in New Orleans.
Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields:.
For those of you who would like to know more about Mr. Higgins Jerry E. Strahan: Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats That Won World War II.
Bill Moyers: Discovering What Democracy Means. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Tom Paine Discovering What Democracy Means.
Wes Clark: Is War with Iran Inevitable?. Remy Benoit
From General Wes Clark at Daily Kos Is War With Iran Inevitable?
If you prefer that this potential war does not happen Tell Congress to Prevent Strike on Iraq.
Here are some thoughts on the subject of Iraq from Bob Hebert, The New York Times, and Truthout Until the War Ends.
Union of Concerned Scientists: Restoring Scientific Integrity in Policymaking. Remy Benoit
From the Union of Concerned Scientists Restoring Scientific Integrity in Policymaking.
North Korea, Iraq, Iran, and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC North Korea agrees to nuclear disarmament
Reactor to shut down in 60 days in exchange for tons of fuel and aid.
From ABC News and Chris Brummet Pace Says No Evidence Iran Arming Iraq.
From ABC News and Anne Flaherty Pelosi to Lead Way in Debate Over Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC For soldiers, doubts surge to the forefront
Concerns weigh on forces' mission to lay foundation for Baghdad security.
From Tom Paine and Ray McGovern Wake Up! The Next War Is Coming.
From The Huffington Post and Melinda Henneberger Bush: "I Made A Name By Being Compassionate".
From Thom Hartmann and Common Dreams Repeal the Military Commissions Act and Restore the Most American Human Right.
Listen Up Congress. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times an Editorial at Truthout Iran and the Nameless Briefers.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. general: No evidence Iran is arming Iraqis
Pace contradicts claims by other U.S. military, administration officials.
S. 117 - the Lane Evans Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act.. Remy Benoit
Please contact your Senators to support this bill to help our Veterans S. 117 - the Lane Evans Veterans Healthcare & Benefits Improvement Act.
Press Conference and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush to hold first news conference of 2007
President likely to be quizzed on Iraq, North Korea and Russia. Mr. Bush also needs to be quizzed on Iran and an exit policy for Iraq.
From CNN Veterans front and center during Iraq debate.
From The New York Times and Lizette Alvarez Army Giving More Waivers in Recruiting.
From The Huffington Post and Melinda Henneberger GOP PR Strategy Blames Dems For "Status Quo" On Iraq.
An Editorial from Susan Lenfestey and Common Dreams What About Iraq Isn't Sobering?.
From the IAVA Troops Need Counseling. Tell Congress.
From the Los Angeles Times and Veterans for America Iran seen as key to untangling Iraq.
How much profit is enough?. Remy Benoit
Katrina has cost us all, even if we didn't have any major damage, or claims. We paid to have our down trees removed; we paid for a generator when there was no power for 3 weeks just so we could have some water in that heat. And then, all around, insurance was canceled; agents had to find policies, and, of course, they all cost more - claim or no claim.
Many, many have total losses of everything precious to them - loss of their entire life's work and building.
If a business is 'high risk' shouldn't risk be accepted? Perhaps there should be more oversight of this from D. C.?
Thousands of awesome people have come to help us rebuild. What does non-existent, of high priced insurance do to help with reconstruction? Nothing.
The welfare of the people of this country leads to the welfare of business. If business doesn't show up for us, well then, what is the result of that?
And that "us" can be anywhere in the United States. The real homeland security is working together for the common good - not for golden parachutes.
Credibility gap?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karen De Young, and MSNBC Skepticism over Iraq haunts U.S. Iran policy
Administration tries to deal with credibility gap.
From the AP, David Espo, and Yahoo News GOP opposition to Bush plan forms.
From The Gannett News Service, Katherine Hutt Scott, and the Battle Creek Enquirer Upton supports Iraq resolution.
From Congress.org BUSH IRAQ TROOP PLAN - AN UP OR DOWN VOTE: Do you support or are you in opposition to this resolution?
From Joe Galloway and Military.com Disappearing Billions.
Senator James Webb on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From James Webb at Daily Kos Our responsibilities.
Mounting Debate. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Murtha is Democrats’ face in Iraq debate
Representative, a decorated Marine, proposing bill to force troops home.
From MSNBC Bush insists Iran is arming Iraq From the LA Times and Maura Reynolds Bush pushes NATO for more troops in Afghanistan resident warns of increased fighting this spring and urges allies to increase their commitments. From the AP, David Espo, and the LA Daily News Pelosi: President lacks authority to invade Iran without approval.
‘I’m going to do something about it,’ president says.
Katrina. Remy Benoit
From The Nation and Katrina vanden Heuvel No Katrina Hearings? Gotcha, Joe.
Those of you who have different ideas about this may reach Senator Lieberman through his website Lieberman Contact.
From the AP and MSNBC 122 levees across the nation at risk of failing
Homeowners near listed levees could be forced to purchase flood insurance.
From the AP, Cain Burdeau and Group Wants 9-11-Style Panel on Levees.
Once Upon a Time in the United States..... Remy Benoit
we had a lot of native industry and manufacturing.
In fact, it was the abundance of this industry and manufacturing that turned the tide to the Allies in WWII.
Now, are we up the proverbial creek in this critical aspect of homeland security? Sometimes, what appears to be "cheap" can cause huge expense.
Ask your kids if they know what tool and die makers do.
Visit with the history and very different future of Bethlehem Steel: Save Our Steel.
And then go to Garden Bay Films Almost Gone. and click on the trailer to watch the heart of the United States break in one more place.
"This land is your land." Take some time and visit with Urban Exploration Resource UER.
Resolution Passed. Remy Benoit
From AP and MSNBC Iraq resolution passes House Senate to consider similar measure Saturday.
From Speaker Pelosi The Gavel.
Roll Call on Resolution.
The Debate Goes On While the Death Goes On. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Car bomb blast kills nine as Rice visits Iraq
Secretary of state stops in capital amid renewed effort to stop bloodletting.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC With Iraq vote, Democrats signal wider battle
Opposition on ‘surge’ the first of fights that will last the rest of Bush's term.
From the AP and CNN Auditors: Billions of U.S. tax dollars wasted in Iraq.
From Tom Paine and Robert Dreyfuss Breakdown At The Iraq Lie Factory.
From the AP and Truthout Murtha Is Democrats' Face in Iraq Debate.
Each soldier is a person, with loved ones, with children, with problems, dreams, injuries, and the always constant reality that she/he will not make it home. Their stories are the forgotten ones. From The Washington Post, Donna St. George, and Truthout The Forgotten Families.
Why Are We Allowing This?. Remy Benoit
The House passed the Resolution; it is gridlocked in the Senate - the words, the debates go on and on and more soldiers are killed, more soldiers are wounded, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I have heard accusations from leading House and Senate members that the "Democrats" do not want the soldiers/Veterans to have what they need, supply and post-service care. The fact is that there have been shortages in both since the beginning of this war. The lack of proper/respectful care for our Veterans is nothing new - rather it is the constant reality.
It is cold outside, just a degree above freezing here, deep in the Southland. At this moment, there are about 250,000 Homeless Veterans out there on our streets.
The question is - When will you demand proper supplying, proper care of those who serve? BILLIONS of dollars are "lost" in Iraq, lost in corporate overcharging and greed. What might those billions have done for those who serve? When will you say enough, and make the calls, write the letters to fix this?
When will you say, "We're not going to accept this anymore."
From The Washington Post, Dana Priest and Anne Hull, and MSNBC Forced to battle the system at Walter Reed
Wounded soldiers face neglect, frustration at Army’s top medical facility.
From the AP and MSNBC Senate gridlocks on Iraq war resolution
House passed measure Friday opposing Bush's plan to send more troops.
One of the symptoms of PTSD is depression. Even those who do not have PTSD can have depression.
If you do, you need help - you need to talk with someone. Please read this article from Newsweek, Julie Scelfo, and MSNBC Men & Depression: Facing Darkness. While doing research for my book in progress, I asked many men to respond to questions about loneliness, alienation, and depression. Seems these things are the norm rather than the aberration. There is something to think about there.
I also asked about this phrase - what does/did it mean to you - "Be a man." It appears that the major reaction was that it was said, and not explained, triggering a life long search for definition.
Perhaps we need to think about the words we use to our young.
Boys do cry - we tell them they don't.
What words do we use to our daughters - have we really gone beyond 'men don't make passes at girls who wear glasses - or can do math, science, and logical reasoning?
Words have tremendous power.
Your words can get soldiers supplies; Veterans care; and young people direction.
Choose and use them well, and in the right places.
Share your input with new Senator James Webb Senator James Webb.
And if you have young children, try this one from Wayne W. Dyer What Do You Really Want for Your Children?.
President's Day. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned
Presidential hopeful reaching out to GOP conservatives.
From the AP and Military.com Afghan Copter Crash Kills 8 U.S. Troops.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com A Hero of a Helo Driver.
From the New York Times, Mark Mazzetti and David Rohde Al Qaeda Chiefs Are Seen to Regain Power.
From CNN Reid: Iraq war 'worst foreign policy mistake' in U.S. history.
From the Huffington Post and Shelley Lewis Expose: Wounded Soldiers Coming Home to Neglect at Walter Reed.
Our Fallen Soldier: Fallen Never Forgotten.
From the Huffington Post and David Sirota Progressive Magazine Demands Access to U.S. Capitol; Will D.C. Media Allow It?.
Murtha's Plan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters Rep. Murtha touts way to choke off Iraq war.
From the AP and Truthout this morning Attack on US Base in Iraq Kills Two GIs, Injures 17.
Small Towns Lose So Many. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Rural America bears scars from Iraq war
Nearly half of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq came from a small town.
From Arianna Huffington and the Huffington Post Hume and Hannity Mug Murtha While the White House Pretends to Take the High Road.
From the AP and CNN McCain: Rumsfeld is one of the worst defense secretaries.
From The Washington Monthly, Robert Dreyfus and Common Dreams, some things to consider Apocalypse Not.
About the care of our Veterans. Remy Benoit
Yesterday the Washington Post ran the story of poor treatment of our Veterans. Keith Olbermann of MSNBC's Countdown followed through with the story.
None of this is a surprise to anyone who at all looks into concern for our Veterans. This poll at MSNBC Most Vote: You decide, we report. shows that 88% of those who voted felt more should be done, must be done.
Is Congress listening? I doubt it. It is up to you to make them listen.
Happy Mardi Gras!. Remy Benoit
From New Orleans, from the Gulf Coast, thank you to all of you who have given your time, your money, and your prayers to help bring back the wonder that is this area.
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
NOLA - Mardi Gras.
Yet, none of us are "out of the water" yet according to Stephen Flynn at CNN, a Homeland Security Expert Flynn: U.S. not prepared for the next 'big one'. Hurricane season is roughly three months away. I am already making lists of what supplies need to be updated. How are you preparing for an emergency? Are you demanding of your State and Federal level representatives that they do their part to insure homeland security?
If funds are constantly peeled away from where they are most truly needed, then we do, indeed, have some foreseeable future problems, unless we start tending to them now. That is up to you.
This ruling just in from The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and MSNBC Court rules against Guantanamo detainees
Ruling is win for administration, but appeal to Supreme Court is likely.
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont is going to seek to change the law that allows this. You can visit with Senator Leahy.
Watch the Video and then Call Congres and the White House. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dana Priest, Anne Hull, and NBC Soldiers Face Neglect, Frustration At Army's Top Medical Facility.
Contacting the White House.
On the brighter side, we have Veterans helping Veterans. From NPR and Allison St. John Vietnam Veterans Help Iraq Vets Through Transition.
A personal note. Remy Benoit
I am trying to find an old friend.
Ben DiLello, c. 52 years old, born in Italy.
If you know Ben, please tell him I asked you to ask him this simple question: Where is the Nile River?
He will know who the message comes from and can e-mail me through the site.
Perhaps We Need a National Barnraising?. Remy Benoit
All around the country, people help people.
People who suffered the loss of all they knew, helped other people during Katrina, and still are.
We all the know the stories of barn raisings, where all the neighbors pitch in and do what needs doing.
But the thought occurred reading the headlines the last few days, that something is tremendously amiss
in the heart of the homeland.
The Washington Post people are shocked at the conditions for out patients at Walter Reed. No shock there, the whole VA system needs serious help and has for a long, long time. Just ask any Veteran. Yet, I am glad that the people at The Post raised a fuss about this, as it is bringing it to national attention.
In this country there are millions with no health insurance; people who cannot afford home/flood insurance and take total losses when nature eats their lives.
Lou Dobbs at CNN asks questions here about where is the middle class going Dobbs: Will the Democrats save their souls?.
Many of our school systems across the nation are in a shambles. Levees are on the verge of breaking all over the country.
Mr. Blair is pulling some of the British troops out of Iraq as noted by the AP at MSNBC Britain to cut Iraq troop levels to around 5,500
Blair says withdrawal of 1,600 military to happen in the ‘coming months’. Mr. Bush continues to call for his surge, while the country for the most part, while the Congress for the most part, says no.
Mr. McCain now condemns the man he praised not too long ago, and praises the man he before condemned. Mrs. Clinton seems unaware that a great deal of the country does not think like she does. Perhaps this election calls for candidates, men like Rocky Anderson of Utah, who listen to the people. Maybe they need to take a look at Jonathan Miller from Kentucky, and read his book The Compassionate Community: Ten Values to Unite America. Just imagine running a country, tending to the world, with a philosophy of healing it, rather than tearing it apart with individual bones to gnaw your frustrations on and beat others over the head with. You cannot communicate with anyone if you are raising that bone over your head to clobber someone else with. That is not the way of true Christianity, Islam, Judaim, or any other religion. Fear and hate are not part of their inherent beliefs; that, like so much else, is man made and in the hands of the few, quite, quite dangerous.
Corporate golden parachutes fall into ridiculous amounts of money along side where poverty lives, and the middle class is crashing.
Mr. Murtha is smeared for wanting to take care of our troops.
The AP reports on inflated terror stats at MSNBC Audit finds U.S. anti-terror statistics inflated
Marriage fraud, other non-terror issues counted in numbers since 9/11.
I don't even want to think about what the Libby case is costing us, and not only in dollars. From CNN Lawyers make final pitch in CIA leak case.
And the President's support is at a low, only lower is that of the support for Mr. Cheney.
This morning I checked on some crocuses that are just starting to show their stems coming up from the bulbs. To grow things, we need light, water, nurturing, commitment, and patience.
If you look overall at the State of the Union, those things are sadly missing. The Social Darwinism of the 19th century is eating us alive. We have need of some serious muckraking journalists who will spare the tawdry details of "celebs" and their escapades. We need truth, we need to look at what is, call it what is, and set to raising a national barn to care for all who dwell within.
That cannot be done on the basis of fear; that can only be done out of nurturing love of country, and yes, concern not only for the well-being of our countrymen, but of the world. There will be no peace if we scream for war; if we don't, ah, in the words of Huey Long, 'share the wealth,' and set to feeding the hearts and souls of everyone, not just worrying about gold bathroom fixtures for those who don't know where the greed stops.
And oh, yes, that includes proper tending to the planet whose air we need to breathe.
As always, on all issues, We the People are the Deciders, if we choose to stand tall and not pass the buck, the work, and, indeed, the blame onto others.
Here is something that needs your attention too Blad Eagles Need Our Help Today.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
From Wes Clark and Vote Vets. Remy Benoit
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC just as Prince Harry to be deployed to Iraq
Third-in-line to British throne could be first royal to see combat in 25 years. Tony Blair is reported in The Washington Post by Jonathan Weisman and Peter Baker to be reducing foreces Britain’s Iraq timing awkward for U.S.
U.K. pulling troops out as Bush sends more in.
Once upon a time, the kings led their troops into battle.
From the UPI and Military.com
Guard to Redeploy to Iraq Early.
From the McClatchy Newspapers, Renee Schoof, and Common Dreams Former Admiral Says All American Forces Should Pull out by Year's End.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From AP and MSNBC Cheney rips China’s anti-satellite weapons test
Vice president says military buildup ‘not consistent’ with peaceful goals.
From the AP and CNN Iran complains of nuclear bullying.
Mr. Cheney. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Cheney won’t back down from Pelosi criticism
Vice president says top Dem’s war stance playing into terrorists’ hands.
Give Support to Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
The problems Veterans face with the VA is common knowledge and it is astonishing to hear government spokesmen voice surprise that are problems.
The outpatient situation at Walter Reed is to be fixed Voice of America: Jim Fry - US Army's Top Hospital Faces Criticism over Maintenance. and this is a good time for all of us to demand the best and most respectful care possible for our Veterans. It is simply not right to not provide for them after they have been sent and faced so very much.
Once again, and again until it is made right - Contacting the Congress.
This inadequacy of provision could be changed overnight if you demand it. That is what democracy is. You decide.
This is the e-mail I sent to my Senators Landrieu and Vitter here in Louisiana:
It is absolutely astonishing to me that government spokesmen are voicing surprise that there are problems with the outpatient facility at Walter Reed. Our Veterans openly talk about the fact that they are not treated with respect at VA hospitals; that they are made to feel like beggars; that there are long, long, long waiting lists for care, etc.
Training at VA hospitals varies from state to state, and thus, is inconsistent.
While this horror at Walter Reed is in the news- while it has its 'fifteen minutes' of notoriety, perhaps this is a good time to push for an across the board investigation of the entire system - it is definitely the time to provide adequate funding. To not do so is simply wrong.
This is a long, long standing problem. Anyone who thinks it is not, is simply refusing to see what is there to see if one looks. Perhaps the Congress should go back and read Ron Kovic's Born on the 4th of July. which has been re-issued. That would be a wake up call, a reference point to go to investigate how much has changed.
A lack of diplomacy, a lack of care led to this latest encounter. Must our Veterans suffer not only the lack of proper materials in combat, but a lack of care when they come home? There is NO excuse for waiting lists and inadequate, bad facilities, let alone disrespectful treatment.
From the IAVA Petition VA Sec. Nicholson to Increase Mental Health Staffing.
Iraq, Iraq, and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Americans unaware of Iraqi death toll
Poll shows knowledge of U.S. dead, but huge underestimation of Iraqis.
From the AP and MSNBC Cheney leaves open military option against Iran
‘All options are still on the table,’ vice president says in Australia.
From the AP and Military.com Gates Vows Walter Reed Action.
From the AP and Military.com Vietnam Vet to Receive Medal of Honor.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Jennifer Loven, and Truthout Democrats Propose Bill to Withdraw Troops Starting in 120 Days.
Veterans Deserve Better Care. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Dan Ephron and Sarah Childress, and MSNBC Forgotten Heroes.
This is not new; this is the ongoing plight of the Veteran.
Steve Mason passed on two years ago. This "Poet Laureate" of the Vietnam Veterans called himself "a warrior for peace." Visit with him at Steve Mason.
From the AP and the International Herald Tribune Obituary: Steve Mason, poet and voice of Vietnam veterans.
From Army Times. Remy Benoit
And Kelley Kennedy Critics: Army holding down disability ratings.
Monday Roundup. Remy Benoit
From ANSWER Send a Letter to Virginia's Attorney General. The demand is for a million dollars insurance, an engineering firm for road closure plans, and thousands of dollars of "user fees" for 100 yards of road under Virginia's jurisdiction.
From the AP and Military.com Mental Health System Needs Help.
From Joe Galloway and Military.com No Way to Treat Our Wounded.
Senator Mary Landrieu has included members of Levee.org to testify before the Field Hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Levees across the country badly need work. This is not just a Gulf Coast Problem. Watch the Video.
From the AP and CNN Nations gather for Iran nuke talks. Perhaps it is not always a good idea to judge a people by their leader.
From the AP and CNN Cheney asks Pakistan to stop al Qaeda 'regrouping'.
From Think Progress NetTrends ’08: The Online Race for the White House.
From Seymour M. Hersh, The New York Times, and Truthout The Redirection.
From Times Online, Michael Smith and Sarah Baxter, and Truthout US Generals "Will Quit" If Bush Orders Iran Attack.
From Nels Christianson and Common Dreams US Culture: War or Peace?
Bravo to Al Gore!. Remy Benoit
Mr. Gore was awarded an Oscar for An Inconvenient Truth.
There are many "inconvenient truths" that we have all had to face during the course of our lives. This one, the survival of our planet, is one we cannot ignore. We owe that not only to ourselves, to our children, to our grandchildren, but to the planet itself which sustains human life.
We should be well beyond the place where we "torture" from nature what we want.
If you haven't seen An Inconvenient Truth. do so. It is currently on cable. You truly cannot afford to not face this one.
Thank you, Mr. Gore, and please, carry on - you are not alone in your struggle for recognition of what needs to be done.
An Inconvenient Truth Educator's Resource.
For those of you who REALLY like Al Gore Draft Gore.
Trees for the Future.
National Arbor Day Foundation.
How do they/we manage this kind of pain?. Remy Benoit
From Tina and her son, Cloy Richards. Cloy is a Marine who served 15 months in Iraq. At Truthout Demoralizing the Troops.
This is a good place to start Mentoring the Soul.
From Senator James Webb Webb Reaffirms Commitment to Passing GI Bill for Post-9/11 Veterans S.22 Bill Receives Support from VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America. Also from Webb Born Fighting.
A "Special Comment" from Keith Olbermann to Secretary of State Rice. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, and MSNBC:
Special comment: Condi goes too far
Olbermann: Secretary Rice’s comparison of Saddam to Hitler is not accurate.
As an historian, as a writer, as a former history teacher, well, what can I say?
I refer you instead to When Life Reeked With Joy By Anders Henrickson. a humorous sketch first published in the Spring of 1983 in the Wilson Quarterly.
The Next Steps. Remy Benoit
Just as there is heavy fog outside my window this morning, there is still the fog of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars to be dealt with as well as the problematic possible war with Iran.
From Arianna Huffington and the Huffington Post America Supports Murtha Plan Despite Media Misrepresentations and Party In-Fighting.
From the AP and CNN Cheney unhurt in blast outside Afghan base.
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz and Jon Cohen, and MSNBC Majority in poll favors deadline for Iraq pullout
53 percent support deadline; opposition to troop hike still strong.
From the LA Times, Bob Drogin and Kim Murphy U.N. calls U.S. data on Iran's nuclear aims unreliable
Tips about supposed secret weapons sites and documents with missile designs haven't panned out, diplomats say.
From Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!, and Truthout Ex-Congressional Aide: Karl Rove Personally Received (And Ignored) Iranian Peace Offer in 2003.
From Tom Dispatch, Michael T. Klare, and Common Dreams Bush's Future Iran War Speech.
If you are in opposition to war against Iran, without Congressional Approval Just Foreign Policy: Ask Your Representative to Support 'Iran War Powers' Resolutions. or sign the petition against any war with Iran Just Foreign Policy: No to War With Iran.
FRom the Columbus Dispatch and Tim Feran Woodruff relates his story to plight of war-wounded.
Louisiana in Words. Remy Benoit
Pelican Publishing Company and Joshua Clark of French Quarter Fiction announce the release Louisiana in Words. at the Maple Leaf (8316 Oak Street) on Sunday, March 18, 3 - 6 pm!
The is truly an awesome collection of moments in the life of Louisiana. Each of us wrote on just one minute in Louisiana that was precious to us as part of its life, of our own lives here. There are minutes from all over the state, from every possible viewpoint.
Joshua Clark edited this anthology as he did French Quarter Fiction: Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia. which was Voted 2003 Book of the Year by New Orleans Gulf South Booksellers Association.
As always, it was a delight to work with Josh on this new anthology. This is a man who stayed in New Orleans for all of Katrina and wrote many pieces for Salon. on the terrible problems faced by our city during this catastrophe. Josh loves New Orleans deeply and his love of our city shines through again in his editing of Louisiana in Words
Come out, Ya'll to the Maple Leaf (8316 Oak Street) on Sunday, March 18, 3 - 6 pm to meet with the authors, get your copies signed. The Garden District Book Shop. will be selling the books at the Maple Leaf.
This is a book you don't want to miss!! It is the heart and soul of Louisiana and hey, "We are Louisiana" so come out and be a part of this celebration of her!
For those of you who are Veterans, you will not want to miss 3:22 PM by Marc David. His writing touched my soul, brought tears to my eyes, and once again, reminded me of how much work we have to do to bring all of you home safely and cared for.
Blessings,
Miz'Remy
Senator Leahy on Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From Vermont and Senator Leahy Leahy Welcomes Defense Secretary’s Vow To Review Treatment Of Wounded Soldiers, After Secretary Gates’ Tour Of The Walter Reed Facility February 23, 2007.
Senator Diane Feinstein on Cluster Bombs. Remy Benoit
All over the world, each and everyday, people are wounded, killed, from the remnants of war. See Donovan Webster: Aftermath: The Remnants of War: From Landmines to Chemical Warfare--The Devastating Effects of Modern Combat.
Seymour Hersh Discusses U.S. Policy Toward Iran. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Fresh Air Seymour Hersh on U.S. Policy Toward Iran.
From NPR and All Things Considered U.S. Will Talk with Iran, Syria About Iraqi Stability.
From NPR Poll Takes the Pulse of the Middle East.
Speaker Pelosi. Remy Benoit
From CNN Pelosi: Bush thinking on Iraq 'impaired'.
Wednesday Morning and Our Veterans and Soldiers Still Need YOU. Remy Benoit
Perhaps when things get a little crazy on the stock floor everyone should take a late lunch break and breathe deeply. This is a place for clear thinking, not emotional doing.
From ABC News and Anne Flaherty Democratic Leaders Revamp Anti-War Plan.
From The Huffington Post and Representative Jim Moran Only Murtha Plan Supports the Troops.
If you read through the comments on the above article, the bottom line emerges that the people who have written in want action, not more words. They want the Representatives and Senators to take a stand and take care of the troops.
There has been a lot of questioning of things that Senator McCain has been saying and doing. This is Move On's take on this Bush/McCain: From Bad to Worse.
As to the care of our wounded Veterans, Paul Rieckhoff of the IAVA takes this position at Military.com Worst to Come at Walter Reed. Two more articles of interest in this area are at Inadequate Care at Walter Reed. and President Bush Fails to Mention America's 1.6 Million New Veterans IAVA to Introduce Legislative Agenda to Address the Multitude of Problems Facing Veterans and Undermining National Security. You can take a stand on this at IAVA Fliers. You can download them and make your neighbors aware. This is one of the fliers IAVA Iraq Veterans Need Your Help. So do the Veterans of Afghanistan. And you can sign the petition to Secretary Nicholson to keep them aware that we are aware that our Veterans are not being properly treated. Petition to Secretary Nicholson.
From Kelly Kennedy and Army Times at Truthout Walter Reed Patients Told to Keep Quiet. Well, people you will have to speak for them. They stood up for you, on the battlefield. Keep the Covenant: be there for them as they were for you. Your feelings about this war have nothing to do with them. Just do it. Call, write, pass out fliers, whatever it takes. Just do it, like you want Congress to - remember to have the world you want, you must be that world personally. There simply is NO excuse to not properly train, equip, and care for our soldiers and Veterans. Caring for them all on fronts is the right, the moral, the decent, and the expected thing to do. I wish I could remember the book I read it in, but a Vietnam Veteran once wrote that something close to 'they used us like carpenters' nails - when one was bent or broken, they just threw it away, and got a new one.' Now if that is not bad for morale, I don't know what is. If someone knows the book and the author, please let me know.
Stand up for them. Do it NOW.
Contacting Congress.
Contacting the White House.
They took the jobs, now let them do the work the people sent them to do.
From Sarah Olson and Tom Paine Silencing the Soldiers.
From Veterans for America and Bobby Muller Demand a 21st Century Solution for Veterans.
Once again, Walter Cronkite weighs in. From Hank Plante CBS 5 San Jose Walter Cronkite: Iraq War a "Disaster".
Down History Lane Walter Cronkite on Vietnam. from NPR.
Homeless in the States. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN Study finds 754,000 living on U.S. streets.
The question needs to be answered why we have this situation. We know that about 250,000 of these people are our Veterans.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
We really need to think about securing the homeland and providing that things like this are not the way of things.
Again, your choice to do something about it.
Stop Iran War.com. Remy Benoit
From General Clark and Vote Vets Stop Iran War.com
Wait on Iraq?. Remy Benoit
The people have made it very clear what they want.
Nevertheless from Matt Renner and Truthout Senate Stalls on Iraq. We need action - supplies for the troops; care for the Veterans; and a timetable. Call your Senator...again...and again...and again.
There can be no buck passing on this. Senator Reid, you promised to "give 'em hell." Come on, Senator Harry, care for our homeland security and the well being of our troops. Actions do a whole lot more than interminable words. Find a righteous way to do what needs doing, and do it.
Our soldiers are dying and being seriously wounded each and every day. The Iraqi people are dying. Their infrastructure is in tatters.
We are making more and more enemies each and every day.
And there is the matter of Iran.
There is no time to wait. It is time to act. It is time for the Senate to take a stand as the people have demanded.
You can explain your position to Senator Harry Reid. here.
You can contact Speaker Pelosi. here.
A New Look at Levees.org. Remy Benoit
Join us in trying to get the levees to where they need to be!
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN House Democrats try again on Iraq.
A Challenge from Jon Soltz of Vote Vets to Senator Lieberman. Remy Benoit
From the Huffington Post and Jon Soltz Senator Lieberman - Take the Troops Challenge!.
General Loses Command At Walter Reed. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Truthout Walter Reed General Loses Command.
Guard Shortages. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Anne Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Shortages threaten Guard’s capability 88 percent of units rated ‘not ready’.
At The Huffington Post from Ned Lamont to Senator Lieberman The Real Choice on Iraq.
From the AP and CNN Democrats' plan: Meet goals or bring troops home.
Subpoenas Issued. Remy Benoit
From The Hill, Susan Crabtree, and Truthout Democrats Send Out First Round of Subpoenas.
New Hydrogen Bombs. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers, the LA Times, and Ralph Vartabedian U.S. to develop new hydrogen bomb
Lawrence Livermore may take the lead in an effort by three national labs. Aging warheads would be replaced.
Tornadoes. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush will tour tornado-struck areas
Two stops planned with governors of affected states.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who suffered the loss of loved ones and homes in these terrible storms. Be patient, as we well know here, recovery comes very slowly.
Those of you who will feel anxiety after the fact of these storms will need help. PTSD Alliance.
New Orleans to Sue Corps. Remy Benoit
From The Times Picayune, Michelle Krupa, Susan Finch, and Frank Donze N.O. asks whopping $77 billion in claim to corps Entergy, S&WB also seek millions on form.
Army Secretary Resigns Over Walter Reed. Remy Benoit
From CNN Army secretary quits in wake of hospital scandal.
On The Situation Room tonight on CNN - Max Cleland.
From Wade Sanders and Military.com Another One Bites the Dust.
From the AP and Military.com Bush Orders Review of Vets' Hospitals.
Why have the Vets known so long, said so much,
only to hear that the officials responsible are "surprised" that there are problems?
Keep the pressure up; make the calls; write the letters. Support our Veterans and support the needs of those in combat. It is the right thing to do. It is the moral thing to do. Be the world you want to make.
Absolute MUST See!!. Remy Benoit
Look at these pictures of Saturn taken by the Cassini probe. They will remind you of just how vast our Universe is; then ask yourself if perhaps we should be working on understanding that rather than killing each other.
These pictures are amazing!
Saturn.
Accountability. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks and Ann Scott Tyson, and MSNBC Gates fires warning shot at military brass
Defense chief’s hand seen in firings, resignations over Walter Reed scandal.
But let us not pretend for even one minute that the only problems are at Walter Reed.
Now is the time to stay on this and contact Congress and the White House. Take a stand for the Veterans.
Think of it this way. If you went to an emergency room and had to wait hours, you would probably be indignant.
What if you came home from combat, from service to your country, still needing additional treatment that you earned with your blood and bone, with the lives of your buddies, and you were put on a multi-level waiting list that could take months to get you treatment? Would you call that a nation's gratitude? Would you call that a nation's respect? What outrage would you be feeling then?
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Vietnam Veterans of America - "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.".
IAVA Executive Director on PBS News Hour.
This is not just a problem here. Shame on the UK too, one of the Coalition Partners, for this from BBC about which I was told by a Veteran of the Falklands War.
Call to save military hospitals
General Sir Mike Jackson
Sir Mike said personnel were better off in dedicated hospitals The former head of the British army has called on the government to maintain military hospitals.
Also from the BBC
Soldiers 'on NHS waiting lists'
Soldier
The after-care of injured soldiers has been criticised The treatment of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan was described as appalling by the man who commanded the British army during the Falklands war.
Anything ring familiar there? From Digital Journal and Fox News Concerns Mount Over Waiting Lists at Veterans Affairs Mental Health Centers.
C'mon America-we can do better for our Vets!!
We can even start with a Just Foreign Policy. Soldiers are, after all, the "active tools" of foreign policy. We need to make sure that the policy is righteous. Diplomacy before weapons. People versed in the languages, culture, customs and traditions of other countries to represent us.
Real history taught in schools.
It is only our future at stake!
KBR/Halliburton. Remy Benoit
From The News and Observer and Jay Price Contractor Could Lose $400 million.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Brian Williams and MSNBC Why I Came to Baghdad.
From the AP and CNN Iraqi PM vows Cabinet changes before conference.
Care of Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
Problems with care of our Veterans is nothing new; it is as old as having Veterans. BUT now we have no excuse to 'not know' so now is the time to do something about it.
From the Lawrence Journal World - Kansas, an Editorial Only the Best - Americans should be united in their disgust of squalid housing conditions for some wounded soldiers receiving outpatient treatment at a respected Army hospital.
From the Chicago Sun-Times, an Editorial Shameful treatment of injured GIs should have us up in arms.
From Boston.com, Ken Fireman, and the Bloomberg News Furor at Walter Reed spawns probes, attacks.
It is baffling why this information is being treated as a surprise as it is of long, long standing. The thing now is for YOU to not let the care of our Veterans be 'played politics' but fixed.
That also goes for the supplies for the troops, for the resolution of the horror in Iraq, for no war with Iran without truly righteous reasons, real intel, and real diplomacy.
Only YOU can demand that those things be done in the proper way. If you do, current Vets will get treatment, active duty soldiers will get what they need, and we won't be wantonly making new Veterans.
From the AP and Military.com Military's Toughest Home-Front Problem.
From Tom Paine and Elizabeth Spiro Clark A Chance To Avoid War With Iran.
And from Vermont, Common Dreams, The Nation and John Nichols Vermont Puts Impeachment on the Table.
Not Just Walter Reed. Remy Benoit
Although that is no surprise, surprise is being declared.
From The Washington Post, Anne Hull, Dana Priest, and MSNBC Soldiers share troubling health care stories
‘It is not just Walter Reed,’ one vet says.
Also no surprise from The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Backup strategy missing for Iraq
Outside experts, not the White House, are discussing options.
From CNN Army hospital scandal ignites outcry in Congress.
From the AP and Military.com Lawmakers to Hold Walter Reed Hearings.
From The New York Times and Truthout, a "Must Do" List The Must-Do List.
And these disturbing thoughts from Art Levine at The Huffington Post Lt. General "Coverup" Kiley: From Abused Detainees to Neglected Soldiers. From Anne Hull and Dana Priest at The Washington Post Hospital Officials Knew of Neglect Complaints About Walter Reed Were Voiced for Years. So, please dear Congressmen, no politics, no endless speeches - accountability and action to correct this. And if the troops have the materiel they need, maybe there would be less injuries? A schedule of withdrawl would go a long way, as would accurate intel on Iran. Indeed, only some of the people, some of the time. Enough. It is time for accountability and for a Just Foreign Policy.
"Blogging from Baghdad". Remy Benoit
I remember Brian Williams when he was a "newbie" reporter. He has come such a long, long way.
Thanks Brian for coming to N'Awlins, and our prayers are with you on this journey. From Brian Williams and MSNBC The Daily Nightly: Blogging from Baghdad.
They say that courage is showing up no matter how scared you are. Thanks too for your courage in showing up!
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y Asks for Independent Commission to Investigate. Remy Benoit
From the AP, John Heilprin and the Army Times Walter Reed hearing underway Ex-patients, spouses speak out on vet care. It is a few minutes after noon here, Central Time, and the hearings are live. 3/5/07
An Army Times Editorial Army Times Editorial: VA investigation needed.
A second Editorial from Army Times Who’s to blame at Walter Reed.
From the LA Times and Noam NA. Levey
Senator demands hospital investigation
Schumer fears poor medical care for troops 'just tip of the iceberg'.
From The Washington Post and Josh White Walter Reed Hearing to Put Spotlight on Kiley's Leadership.
George to George. Remy Benoit
From The Nation and George McGovern An Impartial Interrogation of George W. Bush.
George McGovern and William R. Polk Out of Iraq: A Practical Plan for Withdrawal Now.
William R. Polk - Understanding Iraq: The Whole Sweep of Iraqi History, from Genghis Khan's Mongols to the Ottoman Turks to the British Mandate to the American Occupation.
From Levees.org _ Demand a Levee Commission!. Remy Benoit
Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Anne Hull and Dana Priest, and Truthout "It Is Just Not Walter Reed".
From NPR and Guy Raz Panel: Army Hospital Woes Go Beyond Walter Reed.
From NPR VA Head Acknowledges Mistakes at Hospitals.
Senator James Webb to Introduce Legislation to Restrict War Possibility with Iran. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and Richard Cowan Sen. Reid favors bill restricting attack on Iran.
You can join Senator Webb at Born Fighting.
Newsweek Speaks with Max Cleland. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Dan Ephron, and MSNBC “Drowning in War”.
Iraq - Veterans - Taking a Stand, Or Not?. Remy Benoit
I sat yesterday, and I watched, and I listened.
A surprise that such treatment/non-treatment is problem?
A surprise to whom?
And why a surprise?
We have a representative democracy. That means that our representatives should be protecting that democracy, and all who dwell within.
Is it a surprise that materiel is lacking for the troops? No surprise to them.
Is it is a surprise that in many cases they are not getting the training that they need? No surprise to them.
Is it a surprise that they are there for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time? No surprise to them.
Is it a surprise that the VA is underfunded, understaffed, and as Cleland pointed out 'drowning in war'?
From Tom Paine and Philip Mattera Outsourcing Walter Reed. Perhaps outsourcing our manufacturing may prove troublesome in the not too distant future also?
Where is Mr. Smith when we need him?
Perhaps he has changed his name to Mr. Webb? Born Fighting.Only time, and women and men of courage enough to walk in the shadows of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin will give us that answer. If you support Senator Webb's bill, please call your Senators and tell them that. Contacting Congress.
To say these 'contenders' for the 'prize' fit those shadows, well, perhaps that is stretching it a bit? From The Boston Globe and James Carroll Candidates' stories tell us what we've become.
The real question is twofold:
What are we allowing our country to become;
and after we hold ourselves accountable, who else do we hold accountable?
Last November the People made it quite clear where the majority of them stand on all of this.
Congress is not listening.
The Executive is not listening.
A democracy is a very fragile thing. To lose it doesn't take much: just buck passing; an ostrich complex; apathy; ignorance; and the "I have more important things to do," kind of thinking.
A democracy implies care/concern/compassion for not only those who dwell within it, but also for those with whom it comes in contact. Don't see where torture comes into play there.
We are tired of the politicking, the grandstanding, the 'my party is "righter" than your party.
We demand a Congress answering the mandate that they were sent.
We insist on an Executive that "Preserves, protects, and Defends."
We cannot tolerate anything but a balance of power between them and the Judiciary. We all know about the wantonness of absolute power and its corrupting capabilities. from World Security and Philip A. Fleming Presidential Signing Statements -- Their Use and Abuse.
It does not take a Mensa member to know what those things mean. Governance here is not supposed to be about individuals and their political careers; it is supposed to be about the welfare of this nation - just a reminder, lest we forget.
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC Dems alter plan to restrict Iraq war
Waiver for Bush, benchmarks sought.
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe, Holly Bailey and Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC The Senate: The Republican Revolt
How close is Bush to losing his own party?.
From Arianna Huffington and The Huffington Post Problems of Leadership: Washington's Belated and Selective Concern for the Troops.
From the Nonpareil Online, Council Bluffs, Iowa Monday's Our View: Someone should be accountable.
From The Voice of America and Dan Robinson US Veterans, Family Members Testify on Military Medical Care.
From The Nation and Ari Berman The One in Four War.
From The Nation and Katrina Vanden Heuvel It's Time to Create a Little Shock and Awe in the Streets.
From the AP, John Heilprin, and Truthout Lawmaker Looks Beyond Walter Reed Fix.
From Paul Rieckhoff and Military.com Worst to Come at Walter Reed.
Keep in mind, it was "your" letters that turned the tide for Mr. Smith when he went to Washington.
Speak up.
Speak out.
And show the courage to take a stand.
Do we really want further huge cuts in the VA budget as is being proposed? Think about what that did to the levees.
And we just might want to consider a Just Foreign Policy.
Verdict In: Libby Guilty on Multiple Counts. Remy Benoit
From CNN 'Scooter' Libby guilty on four of five counts.
From MSNBC Jury convicts Libby on four of five charges
Verdict in CIA leak case reached on 10th day of deliberations.
More Trouble for Incumbents. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Newspapers, Joe Galloway, and Truthout A Suggestion for Probing Our Shameful Treatment of Fallen Troops.
From Patrick McElwee of Just Foreign Policy. and Truthout Reckless Disregard: US May Be Supporting Terrorists, Endangering Its Own Citizens.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC Libby verdict reflects new scrutiny
Conviction of White House aide hangs over Bush team.
From The Huffington Post and Arianna Huffington Why the Libby Verdict Is So Damning.
From the AP and Military.com Walter Reed Uproar Refuels Iraq Debate.
From Dave Lindorff at Common Dreams Libbygate: Now Let's Get to the Real Story.
From William Fisher and Truthout New Tests for the Supreme Court.
One can't help but wonder just how much of this would be happening if Gerry Ford had not pardoned Nixon and let justice run its course?
From The San Francisco Chronicle and Pete McCloskey When politics infects justice.
From the AP and CNN Fired U.S. attorneys allege political pressure.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, from CNN Iraq attacks on Shiite pilgrims claim more than 120 lives.
From CNN and Nic Robertson Iraq refugee: 'I feel disaster' as crisis grows.
While the hearings and investigations go on, remember these faces and what we owe them on oh, so many, many levels Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties. Honor them the best ways possible with care for their injuries, help for their families, and the truth beneath the reasons for all of their sacrifices. I agree with Joe Galloway - let the moms sit on the investigative board and clean up the mess. It would go a whole lot faster.
A Message from General Clark and John Soltz. Remy Benoit
Watch the video, do what you feel needs doing, before its too late.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
If before you actually read the articles below, you just read the headlines as though they were a story in themselves, the obvious becomes obvious.
From the AP and MSNBC Dems to propose Iraq withdrawal by ’08
Legislation expected to go to House floor later this month.
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqi-U.S. operations hindered by culture clash
Competing commanders, miscommunications lead to difficulties.
From Reuters and CNN No military solution to Iraq - U.S. chief.
From the AP and Military.com More Troops Deployed to Baghdad.
Pentagon Orders Mine-Resistant Trucks.
From Robert H. Reid and The Huffington Post Bomber Kills 30; 3 Soldiers Die in Iraq.
From John Nichols, The Nation and Yahoo News Vermont Votes to Impeach Bush/Cheney.
From the Seattle Times, Floyd J. Mc Kay, and Common Dreams Don't Let The Neocons Call The Shots On Iran.
From Paul Reichkoff and The Huffington Post Walter Reed: What You Can Do About It.
This bill will make in-person mental health exams mandatory and give soldiers time to seek treatment. For those of you who do not understand what Veterans are trying to tell us, do read the comments with this piece.
And again, and again, if you truly want to even begin to understand what our soldiers and veterans are trying to tell us, to make us understand Mentor the Soul. Dr. Tick's work is very important. Do support it, and do read War and the Soul. and send copies to your Senators and Representatives.
And do visit with General Clark and John Soltz Stop Iran War. and take a stand here too. While we are on these subjects, perhaps we need to consider also a Just Foreign Policy.
Wetlands and Levees. Remy Benoit
From The Huffington Post and Harry Shearer The Times-Picayune Predicts the Future, Again.
Just as Mr. Spock noted that it was "illogical" to hunt a species to extinction, it is illogical to destroy wetlands.
From The Times Picayune and Bob Marshall, Part I LAST CHANCE: The fight to save a disappearing coast
It took the Mississippi River 6,000 years to build the La. coast. It took man 75 years to wash away a third of it. Experts agree we have 10 years or less to act before the loss becomes irreversible.
Part II by Bob Marshall and Mark Schleifstein LOSING GROUND
Since 1989, Louisiana has spent $600 million to stabilize 95 square miles of vanishing coastline barely making a dent in the 2,000 sq. miles lost in the past 70 years.
Part III Mark Schleifstein LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
Success stories like the Atchafalaya River Basin hold the promise of restoring lost.
You may fill out the form on the front page of the Times Picayune at NOLA for your ideas on how to save the coast. Speak Out.
You can also help out at Levees.org. and Louisiana Speaks. where you can get a Planning Toolkit for South Louisiana. Let's do it - after all, "We Are Louisiana."
For a deeper understanding of what is happening to the wetlands see Mike Tidwell Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana's Cajun Coast. and The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Coming Death of America's Coastal Cities.
It is important to take action on this now. In a decade, it will be too late.
For those of you in Louisiana, do come to the release party for Louisiana in Words. It is a book you do not want to miss!
From Fresh Air: "On Call in Hell". Remy Benoit
Navy Cmdr. Richard Jadick :A Navy Doctor Goes 'On Call in Hell'.
Down History Lane with an Army Medic in Vietnam Harry Kieninger: When Can We Come Home: Understanding the Viet Nam Veterans.
3rd Time Around. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi 3rd ID prepares for third deployment to Iraq
Soldiers and their families get final briefings at Fort Benning.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh, and MSNBC Making Peace with the Militias
The U.S. command in Iraq may soon be forced to accept groups we've branded 'death squads' if we're ever going to stabilize the country.
From the AP and Military.com More Troops Deployed to Baghdad.
From Stacy Bannerman, The Progressive, and AlterNet 60,000 Marriages Broken by Iraq, Including Mine.
From The Nation and John Nichols at Common Dreams Hold Dick Cheney to Account.
Baghdad Blog. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Rod Nordland Surviving Those Checkpoints.
Who Knew About the Health Care Problems and When?. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA and Seth Stern Members Were Aware of Lapses at Walter Reed.
This is not just a problem for Congress and the Executive. This is a problem for all of us that
we have to face.
We are all busy, most people 'taxed' to the limits, but the care of our Veterans cannot be ignored; nor can the ravages of poverty; the homeless, Veterans and civilians; the lack of health care for millions; the deterioration of levees, bridges, roads, etc.
Choose something that inflames your passion and find a group that works to make it right.
Today, not tomorrow.
Bring them home....when?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC House Dems face uphill battle to end Iraq war
White House issues veto threat over 'date certain' measure.
From the Orange County Register Military families speak on House Democrats plan for troop withdrawal.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Edward Epstein DEMS SEEK SHOWDOWN ON WAR House, Senate leaders to push legislation that would force Bush to withdraw troops.
And on the Iranian "front", this from the San Francisco Times and Maggie Farley U.S. and Iran have been talking, quietly
Despite little public dialogue, the foes share a sliver of common ground: an interest in Mideast security and resources.
If you do not like the idea of a war with Iran
Stop Iran War. Visit with Jim Webb and learn about his bill at VB Dems Webb bill bars funding for military action against Iran.
On related issues:
Keith Olberman and MSNBC at Truthout Joe Wilson: Time for Bush/Cheney to Come Clean.
From ABC Brian Ross and Vic Walter Report Says FBI Violated Patriot Act Guidelines.
From Keith Olberman, Countdown, and MSNBC Libby: The Big Picture.John Dean: Worse Than Watergate. John Dean: Conservatives Without Conscience.
From Editor and Publisher
Rep. Waxman Announces Congressional Hearings on Libby Leak -- Plame May Testify.
And at the grassroots level, these two stories. From The Times Record of Maine and Rachel Ganong Grassroots effort under way to force impeachment of Bush and Cheney. From the Vermont Guardian, Shay Totten & Christian Avard Vermont: 36 towns call for impeachment probe of president.
Boomers and Their Books. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Malcolm Jones, and MSNBC Our Books, Ourselves Baby boomers and their books—it's a love story where nobody ever said he was sorry. Except, perhaps, for 'Love Story' itself.
We love our books - reading and writing them!
Keep reading, and please, teach your kids to love to read. The power of words is life changing!
Iraq Continues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Iraq: Bloodshed may spread across Mideast
Al-Maliki urges international help to fight nation's chaos.
From CNN Deadly blast as peace talks underway.
Somethings That Must Be Acknowledged. Remy Benoit
From Evan Derkacz, Democracy Now, and AlterNet UPDATED: Women soldiers have died of dehydration to avoid late night trips to toilet.
From the New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Another Grim Week in Iraq.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S., Iranian envoys hold direct talks on Iraq
American ambassador calls it a ‘first step’; Maliki pleads for broad help.
More Funding Sought for Vet Care. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Democrats say wounded vets treated 'on the cheap'.
While it is blatantly true that care for our Veterans has been a low priority issue, this is a long, long standing issue and it is not one to play partisan politics with.
It is a job that needs doing, just as adequate training and supplies are for active duty soldiers.
Getting those jobs done is up to you; pressure must be kept on those doing the funding and the supplying.
This is another aspect of the Veteran care problem. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Of course, our Veterans are not the only one living on the streets HUD Homes & Communities.
There are others who do not have, nor can they afford, healthcare National Coaltion on Health Care.
Taking care of these is part of real homeland security, as is taking care of the country's infrastructure, manufacturing abilities, education, environment.
From the AP and CNN Report outlines global warming's effects.
Did you ever notice that American ends in I can? We are a "can do" nation, if, as we have proven many times over, we do it together. Just think of it as a national barn raising on a major scale, put on those overalls, and let's get to it. If it means we need another CCC and WPA, then let's do it. You can also help Habitat for Humanity who is doing the work wherever it needs doing, and has done spectacular work down here. Habitat for Humanity. Think maybe you could pledge them $10 a month? It is not so much, but it does go such a long, long way. Our thanks to their work down here - you are, indeed, a great blessing and can do people! Visit Musicians' Village and see what spectacular work had been done here.
Responsibility Lies at the Top, and With Us. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Jack Jacobs Responsibility for Walter Reed lies at the top
Military leaders must ensure care gets to troops, not just offered to them.
We cannot expect leaders to always do what they should be doing. It is up to the citizens to keep watch on their democracy, and on the care of those who serve it.
Do not let this issue do its "fifteen minutes" of notoriety. See it through until it is fixed by keeping pressure up on those who are in the position to fix it...and fix it right for all Veterans. It is part of the 'covenant.' Be there for us and we will be there for you.
"Hurricane FEMA". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Whoriskey, and MSNBC We called it Hurricane FEMA'
Trailer park in Louisiana quickly emptied by federal agents.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Key nations divided over Iran sanctions
Ahmadinejad plans U.N. visit to explain nuclear position, spokesman says.
Halliburton, Gonzales, National ID Cards, and More. Remy Benoit
From the Los Angeles Times and Walter F. Roche Jr.
Gonzales is urged to quit 'for the nation' Sen. Charles Schumer says the attorney general has politicized the Justice Department.'
From The New York Times and Common Dreams The Failed Attorney General.
From The McClatchy Newspapers, Ron Hutcheson, Marisa Taylor and Margaret Talev at Common Dreams White House Says Rove Relayed Complaints About Prosecutors.
From The AP, Calvin Woodward and Yahoo News Beyond Iraq, '08 issues starting to form.
From the Electronic Privacy Information Center National ID Cards and REAL ID Act.
From C/Net News and Declan McCullagh Maine rejects Real ID Act.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush adds funds to increase troop request
President seeks $3.2B to pay for 8,200 more troops than previously planned.
From the AP and Military.com Bombers Strike With Deadly Efficiency.
From Tina Richards and Common Dreams How Will We End this War?.
From Joe Galloway at Military.com Troops Deserve Decent Treatment.
Read This, Weep, and Then Use Your Voice to Help. Remy Benoit
From The McClatchy Newspapers and Chris Adams and Alison Young Discharged and dishonored: Shortchanging America's veterans
When help is needed, ex-soldiers battle delays, inconsistent rulings, inadequate representation.
From the McClatchy Newspapers Regional offices Department of Veterans Administration.
Contacting Congress.
Contacting the White House.
Waxman Calls for Hearings on Halliburton Move. Remy Benoit
From the LA Times and Richard Verrier at Truthout Halliburton Moving Headquarters to Dubai.
Kiley Retiring!. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Army's surgeon general to retire
Resignation latest fallout in controversy over soldier care at Walter Reed.
The Costs of Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, John Barry, and MSNBC We're in a Downward Spiral'Iraq and Afghanistan are draining the National Guard and Reserve, warns Arnold Punaro, the chairman of a congressional commission.
From MSNBC and Robert Bazell Tracking post-traumatic stress in vets difficult
Soldiers routinely returned to duty because symptoms aren't obvious.
If you need help with Post Traumatic Stress Mentor the Soul.
"Target Lists"?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Dan Eggen and John Solomon, and MSNBC Attorney firings had genesis in White House
Congress probing whether dismissals of U.S. attorneys politically motivated.
From Arianna Huffington and the Huffington Post The Injustice at Justice: The White House's Fingerprints Begin to Show.
Down History Lane with Nixon's Enemies List. The names on this might surprise you. For more in depth coverage List of White House 'Enemies' and Memo Submitted by Dean to the Ervin Committee.
John Dean has come a long, long way since those days, working hard to contribute to our knowledge of the inner workings of government. From Find Law John Dean. For all his efforts we thank him.
The War Goes On. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Shrine bombing as war's turning point debated
Administration says event increased violence; many Iraq experts disagree.
From CNN Poll: 58 percent want Iraq withdrawal by 2008 or sooner. Seems that most people do not want this war to carry on to the next administration.
From The Boston Globe, James Carroll, and Common Dreams 60 Years of Faulty Logic.
From Michael Schwartz, Tom Dispatch, and Common Dreams one viewpoint of the problems Surge and Destroy The Brutality Escalates in Iraq.
From ZNET, Truthout, and Ron Jacobs Campus Antiwar Movement Begins to Make Its Mark.
Congress Wants Rove's Testimony. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Paul Kane, and Truthout Congress Demands Rove Testimony on Attorney Firings.
GI Writes Tribute. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com GI Writes Tribute to Fallen.
Legislative Action from the IAVA. Remy Benoit
Keep the pressure up for legislation for Veterans IAVA
Legislative Priorities.
Gonzales says "mistakes were... made" but won't resign. Remy Benoit
From CNN Gonzales: 'Mistakes were made' in U.S. attorneys' firings.
"Iran" no go without Congressional Approval off the table. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Dems abandon Iran war authority provision
Test vote on Sept. 1, 2008 Iraq withdrawal scheduled for Thursday.
From John Nichols and The Nation Pelosi's Disastrous Misstep on Iran.
One of the most important provisions of our Constitution is the Balance of Power and keeping to each of the Branches the Powers specifically delegated to it. If you are not pleased with the Democratic Party giving in on this, this is who you contact.
House of Representatives: Appropriations Committee - Chairman Dave Obey. If your Representatives are not on the list, contact them anyway and ask them to ask the Committee to rethink this. Contacting Congress.
This is urgent - call on Wednesday - the Supplemental Appropriations bill is scheduled to be marked up in full committee Thursday, March 15, at 9 am.
The people here have spoken, and spoken, and spoken. It is time for the House to listen.
Post Traumatic Stress Press. Remy Benoit
This is not a site for the very young.
Post Traumatic Press. Those who have known war are invited to share their stories.
This is Our Country. Remy Benoit
I cannot begin to express the outrage that I feel at what is exposed in the following article.
From the AP and CNN Defective pumps used to protect New Orleans
Corps of Engineers defends supplier, says pumps were better than nothing.
How could we possibly explain what Katrina was like for those who did not experience it? To see that the city was once again put in the path of danger is simply unacceptable.
Also from CNN and The Washington Post with Peter Baker and Michael Abramowitz White House crises show new accountability
Bush faces opposition Congress with subpoena power.
On the global front, from MSNBC Forests still shrinking, but not as fast
U.N. agency report tracks deforestation around the world. If you haven't see Al Gore's, An Inconvenient Truth., perhaps you should.
On the soldiering front from Christian Lowe and Military.com Mental Illness Plagues Current Vets.
Tonight I sat and listened to John Mellencamp sing Our Country. Take the time to visit with John and listen to the words to this song. Perhaps it is time that we remembered that, in fact, this is our country. It does not belong to a handful of people making bad decisions for us.
Wake up, America.
Stand up, America.
Use your voice for what is right.
Iraq and Basic Necessities. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Troops face social ills, not bullets in Sadr City
Residents in neglected Baghdad slum desperate for humane conditions.
War and Mental Illness. Remy Benoit
From Time and Claudia Wallis at CNN Casualty of War: Mental Health.
When you read articles about soldiers, there is the feeling that 'they" are somehow separate from "us." That is simply not the case. "They" are our daughters and sons, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers. When will we "get it" that they are us, and we need to big a huge extended family to them, speaking up for their rights and their care?
Portraits. Remy Benoit
From Time, Michael Duffy, and CNN Cheney's Fall From Grace.
From Time, Mark Thompson, and CNN Is Gates the Anti-Rumsfeld?.
From John Nichols and The Nation Gonzalez's Big Mistake.
From Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Read, and then, again, do something about this.
Senate to Take on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Senate Votes to Restart Iraq War Debate.
How to Bring Healing. Remy Benoit
From The Nation and Mark Green How to Fix Our Democracy.
From CNN Leahy says he will subpoena Rove.
From The Nation and Stephn F. Cohen Conscience in War.
From the AP and MSNBC Al-Qaida No. 3 says he planned 9/11, other plots
Military transcripts show Mohammed confessed to planning 28 attacks.
From The Nation and William Greider Hubris in High Places.
From the AP and MSNBC First GOP senator calls for Gonzales firing
Bush ‘not happy’ about handling of attorney firings, but stands by AG.
Susan Larson: Home Truths - A Review of Louisiana in Words. Remy Benoit
Read this stunning review of Louisiana in Words which we have all put so much love into!
From The Times Picayune and Susan Larson Home Truths.
And much, much thanks to Josh Clark for all his work and dedication to this project and to Louisiana!
Subpoenas. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Truthout Subpoenas Target Justice; White House Could be Next.
Wes Clark :Averting the New Gulf War. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Monthly Averting the Next Gulf War.
"Too complicated: to be called just Civil War. Remy Benoit
From CNN Pentagon: 'Civil war' inadequate term for Iraq war.
FYI. Remy Benoit
I came across this article this morning and thought some of you might be interested. From The Washington Post and Elizabeth Grossman Chemicals May Play Role in Rise in Obesity.
Myths Surrounding War. Remy Benoit
From Ira Chernus and Common Dreams The 'Support our Troops' Myths.
From the AP and Military.com Petraeus Requests More Troops for Iraq.
From Joe Galloway at Military.com An Army Stretched Thin.
From the Lost Angeles Times, Johanna Neuman and Noam N. Levey, and Truthout Senate Rejects Resolution for Troop Pullout Within a Year. Going back to this later in the year is not acceptable considering the conditions we are asking them to soldier in.
From Charlie Anderson at Truthout The Wall That Now Divides Us. Visit with Charlie Anderson at American Vet Speaks Out.
From Bobby Muller and Veterans for America What Does America Owe Those Who Serve?.
World Changing. Remy Benoit
This is a website with many interesting ideas.
Do visit World Changing.
We Need a New Mythology. Remy Benoit
War is the ultimate myth and the ultimate death ritual that we walk into with flags flying, brass fanfares, and colossal ignorance.
War is death and destruction, rooted and mythologized in power over a dehumanized enemy.
War is ugly, yet we have painted it with dark beauty.
War is death, yet we have powerful, extravagant, glorified word pictures that call upon our children to be blood sacrifices to protect the community, its ideas, ideals, and its concept of a Creator.
We have perpetrated the myth that there is more intense life in the moment of facing death Pro Patria that in all the endless, seemingly purposeless days of normal life. Summoning that courage to stand with and for your brothers and now sisters in arms, is the stuff of the hero legends surrounding war.
We know that hundreds of thousands of men were vaporized on the crater-pocked, blood soaked, muddied battlefields of World War I. We know that the tides at Normandy beached red with blood. We know, but we do not know because we refuse to understand it. If that were not so, if we chose to know there would have been no complaints that Saving Private Ryan on TV would be too much violence to be aired. Would it be too violent to let children see even this film imitation of war, removed from tactile reality, if we admitted these same children will grow to adulthood to go through the ritual of induction into war?
Is that hypocrisy? Or is there something deeper in our psyche that cannot admit to the underlying blood dark belly of the battlefield? Does it take ignorance of war to become a warrior in the moment of trial?
Warrior is an old word, tormented by thousands of years of images.
David slays Goliath; Roman legions butcher woad painted Celtic warriors. Audie Murphy had 240 kills, wounded and captured many others during World War II.
By definition a warrior is “one engaged or experienced in battle.” Yet in myth, the warrior is so very much more.
He protects the innocent, the community, the nation, and is the ever enduring champion of his god. He has seen evil; he has gone into chaos; he has come to know his own Jungian shadow side; he has made the tortuous journey into his unknown self; he has come out above it all, braver, stronger, and determined to be there again when he is needed.
He has cheated the unknown territory, the unknown mystery of death, but only in part.
Although he may emerge alive, as a breathing, standing, archetypal force, he has already known death — even to the point of knowing that he has lost all of, or some parts of his very soul.
He has learned that when he goes to war, in the company of others, he actually goes alone never knowing as a ‘newbie’ what may be brought up from inside himself to muster to the moment of extremity.
He is often too young to as yet have any idea of the possible person he might have been without the war experience. It is, indeed, true, that no one who has known war emerges the same person. He is perhaps the young man who was told in school that differences must be talked out, not fought out. She is the young woman who learned as a child the Commandment, Thou shalt not kill.
All that was known before is no longer valid.
He, or she, is the person who has gone through a rugged boot camp, designed to strip him, or her, of the pre-military persona whether it be nerd, high school football hero, academic wonder, or prom queen. The warrior training has begun, but it is no longer the tribal warrior training of days gone by;not training to enhance the individual’s skill as an individual entity, but training to become part of a fighting force, the ‘grunt’ of Army military lingo. This young person will not follow the tribal leaders onto the battlefield because the tribal leaders are no longer there, but far, far away with their lower ranking representatives, of representatives, of representatives in place.
When not engaged in total war, these warriors are on their own. There may be letters from home, from strangers as young as elementary school children, but if without the total war effort,deprivation, and impact on the civilian population, the soldiers are left feeling isolated.
They are left alone to face the second of the deaths of war — that of their innocence.
A World War II private said that they were so tightly packed on the amphibious landing boats, so crushed against each other, that they were anxious to get off even knowing the enemy’s bullets were awaiting them. Others de-planed from commercial jets into the war zone in Vietnam,watched the planes take off again immediately to get their private passengers to safety. The feeling of literally being dropped into a war zone while others went off to business or vacation certainly enhanced their feelings of separation from the rest of their nation. They were on their own. Paul Reickhoff wonders in Chasing Ghosts if the soldiers going to Iraq on planes would really be chastised for catching a smoke in the plane’s bathroom. Would the flight attendants who were being nice to them enforce that rule as they were going off to fight, perhaps die, in Iraq?
Vets have said that they went to war because they thought that that was what you did to ‘be a man.’ Many have said that they have learned over the course of the years what that means, but that when they were young and told to be a man, no one ever explained what that meant. Today, with women in the military, new definitions — indeed new mythologies — will have to emerge defining what it means to be a man or a woman. At a time when men are being told to explore their feminine side, women are calling up the warrior side.
In combat, all normal sense of place, order, life rules, and any kind of control over environment as previously known are gone to be quickly replaced with being tested, with falling into the routine of war that finds its own normalcy in filth, extreme wet heat, extreme dry heat, in freezing temperatures, on foreign soil surrounded by foreign ways and language barriers. There is no tomorrow’s dream in combat; only the need to pull up survival skills for yourself, for your buddies; survival skills where you learn that courage is showing up regardless of how much fear, how much terror, how much sense of futility you feel. The very climate can remind you of human frailty, when water is the priority, when dampness rots parts of you, while insects and rodents compete for the rest. Death, the big death, the ultimate death, lies in wait, just down the road; around the corner; in spider holes; in being told to leave foxholes and charge into no man’s land; in tunnels; in IED’s.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I had a student teacher, a retired Chief Petty Officer, who constantly used the phrase, “Let’s look at the big picture when thinking of history.” In the jungle, on the streets of Baghdad, in trenches, or in ice and snow the picture is limited; the hero myth becomes the survival reality, being there for your buddies, being unwilling to show fear, breaking the intensity of the just-ending engagement with dark humor.
The reality is in the staying alive, in the killing. This is no longer the fantasy, the myth, only the reality. Death stinks, eviscerates, dismembers, is blood soaking into the earth, no matter if that earth is covered in snow, in sand, or in mud on the jungle floor. Life bleeds into the earth and out of the combatants, cloying, heavy, the ground unmindful of the end of what that person’s life might have been.
Combat zones are filled with boredom, terror, impatience, pride, disgust, courage, feelings of futility. Friends “go away” right next to you; the ability to connect begins to shut down. Home becomes more distant. The odor of weapons fired mixes with violence, with sexual arousal, with the crumbling of previous personal standards, with the blood lust of the moment. There is no time in combat to mourn the loss of so much self. There is in modern warfare no real transition time coming home to mourn the loss of friends, of so much self. There is the hearing of Get on with it, the war is over for you.
But the war is never over; the measure of its experience is held up against the old mythic image of hero; and the measure is tied to survivor guilt; loss of body parts; of mind parts; of spirit parts; of soul parts.
Audie Murphy who was extravagantly decorated, who was treated as a War Hero when he came home, suffered deeply from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He became a spokesman for the care for Veterans.
War is a HUGE thing for those who know it, military or civilian.
We lack the rituals for coming home. We are not even today permitted to honor the caskets as they come home.
A few get parades. Others have said, “There were no parades for me.”
A wife speaks of a husband who walked the dark streets at night.
A Korean Vet gets the greeting, Oh, you’re back.
A ‘Nam Vet tells a taxi driver he is home from the green and is asked, So what?
They are separate, again.
They can talk with each other, but are asked the abusive question by non-combatants, ‘What is it like to kill someone?’ They have lost trust in any but brothers in arms.
Where are the modern day shamans to heal the wounds?
Are they in the endless waiting lists at the VA?
Are they at the VA where a friend had a psychiatrist who did not know what PTSD was?
Are we all suffering from PTSD since World War II, a mass killing of a scope we cannot wrap our minds around, while we went back for more, many more, wars? Are we all suffering from post-World War II PTSD with its Normandy, Bulge, Dresden, Auschwitz, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Inchon, Khe Sahn, Cu Chi, Sarajevo, Baghdad while we go on making more technologically advanced machines and munitions of war; go on making nuclear weapons because we are caught in the treadmill of myths of defending god-kings, kings by divine right, mixing religion with politics and nations with isms that separate? We know that we can destroy most of human life on the planet, but we do not accept it at gut level. If we did, we would move to change it.
We know that if we defoliate greenery, we take away one of the main the sources that turns carbon dioxide into oxygen for us to breathe.
How many of us accept that we have been generating, are generating, our own destruction?
How many of us know what one combat Veteran told me he came to know: the importance of a hot meal, a hot shower, privacy for bodily functions. Those are the verities that come out of combat; that, and knowing that several layers of death have been gone through, and that something of the person has survived. Finding out what has survived is the beginning of another long journey into the mystery, that needs help from all of us, that needs a new mythology. Acknowledging that, in fact, we send men and women to fight; they are not the old gods from Olympus, or their minions; that they are us, just women, just men, asked to do the impossible for nations not grateful enough to care for them in their time of need.
They carry talismans into battle. Perhaps only Holy Water in tiny insecticide bottles in their helmets, or an almost too close bullet pried out of a tree. What talismans will we give them? What mythology of their experience will we re-write until we learn that war is several layers of death of the self, if not total destruction of physical, mental, spiritual self?
We send them off in groups to face themselves and the mission alone; we bring them home and tell them to get on with it, leaving them alone again.
Where is the myth in that? Or is it that there is just the cruelty of ignorance and lack of real attempts to understand what they have been through. We expect them to rise from the ashes of their burned brothers and sisters and souls, day after day. That is not a myth, that is the a horror story that they live through each and everyday.
Is it our thinking that the hero, the warrior protects us, protects and cares for herself or himself, and not us her or him?.
We contribute to the old myth with the dehumanizing language of war; with terms like collateral damage when we mean civilians killed and cities leveled. We have built, through our staying with old, outdated myths, an assembly line, a self-serving, always insatiable assembly line of war that must feed itself to rationalize its own existence. We damn the blood lust when it leads on any side to atrocity, and yet we feed the blood lust with parades, with brass trumpets, with not asking if there is another way.
We really need to examine what myths we are following, what myths need to be re-written. We need to understand that war is ugly, destructive of people, of civilizations, of the very Creation of the god of our choice, or we will continue piling our young as standardized parts on the assembly line of war.
We have boxed ourselves into the war factory; we need new thinking to re-write the mythology of war, not as the ultimate living in the face of death, but to bring ultimate living, instead of dying, to enhance the Creation for all of us. The underlying principles of the new mythology must be power with rather than power over; care of the planet; must be recognition that there is enough for all if we think outside old thoughts and create new myths of ending poverty, greed, misunderstanding.
What is more precious to us; our daughters and sons, or the acceptance of there being no other way than war? Which of those do we choose to know?
Perhaps the old Arthurian Myth can be re-written anew.
Might for Right.
Now Right must be defined by all for the survival of the planet so we may wage peace and compassion.
We can choose to live and create, or to continue the dark dance with the macabre myth of the death ritual of war.
I would really like for you to share your thoughts on this.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Protests and the March on the Pentagon. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Steve Vogel and Clarence Williams, and Truthout Rousing, Emotional Start for War Protest.
From the AP and MSNBC Anti-war protesters gather in Washington
Christian group calls Iraq war ‘offense against God’; police arrest hundreds.
From the AP and CNN Crowds gather to denounce, support war.
From The Green Party Greens to Join Antiwar Protests Around the U.S., March 17 and 18.
From Tom Paine and Michael T. McPhearson Sitting In To Stop The War.
From The Nation, Jeremy Scahill and Common Dreams Bush's Shadow Army.
From The Huffington Post and Jeremy Scahill Blackwater Down (Again).
In another protest outcry from CNN Loyalty to Bush may not be enough to save Gonzales.
Down History Lane:
From The Washington Post and Steve Vogel at The Seattle Times Iraq protesters aim to evoke historic 1967 confrontation.
A Cold Wake Up Call. Remy Benoit
From The Independent UK, Andrew Gumbel and Truthout One Woman, Fighting to Save Her People From Extinction.
"Legacy". Remy Benoit
From Bruce Fleming of the Naval Academy and Military.com The "L" Word.
Year # 5. Remy Benoit
The flowers that were to greet American soldiers drape their coffins. The mission is still very much not accomplished despite GI's giving their best and their lives to do so. The possibility of more war in the area is a very grave one.
But you will notice as you read below, that the major media is not in tune with the underbelly of this war. You will notice that Veterans' issues have pretty much disappeared from the front pages, from the anchors' desks. The media is the 4th Estate, responsible for its own active duty role in reporting the truth. Perhaps we should demand more of these corporate controlled outlets of the news.
We definitely need to think more in terms that the soldiers are us, not separate, not superheroes, but our own who we have sent to do quite often the unthinkable.
This is a book you should read. Martha Raddatz: Long Way Home: A Story of War and Family. Congratulations to this woman who showed tremendous courage to take you to not only the horror of the front lines in this war, but to the hearts and souls of the families waiting, waiting, waiting, at home.
I am also pleased to note that one of the most powerful books on the Vietnam Era Charles J. Boyle: Absolution: Charlie Company 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry. is being re-issued. Chuck is one of the good guys, and Absolution is a powerful story that will lead you to understand what is needed by those coming home, then from Vietnam, now from Iraq and Afghanistan.
You can learn much more at 277 Arty. Say "Hey" to Sgt. Mikie. Check out the new pictures.
From The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung, and MSNBC Iraq war's statistics prove fleeting
Numbers, not territory, used to measure military success.
From Kristin Henderson and Military.com TBI: The Invisible Injury.
From the AP and Military.com Disputes Hinder Walter Reed Deal.
From The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Amy Goodman, and Common Dreams Father Turns his Grief into Action.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. pushes on-the-job training of Iraqi forces
Military trainers work to build camaraderie, trust with local troops.
From the AP, Steven R. Hurst, and Truthout US Troop Deaths Show Sunni Resilience.
From Newsweek, Rod Nordland, and MSNBC Dates, Citrus and IEDs
The war goes on in the place it began four years ago.
From Arianna Huffington and The Huffington Post Iraq at Four Years: The Past is Indeed Prologue.
Also from The Huffington Post Dem Leaders Nix Iran Provision To Focus On Iraq Withdrawal Bill. Born Fighting. Perhaps Senator Webb needs some support on this issue?
A "Liberal" Perspective. Remy Benoit
This is an interesting article from Bruce Ackerman, Todd Gitlin, et.al. We Answer to the Name of Liberals.
How to Profit from Global Warming IF You Don't Mind It Happening. Remy Benoit
From Joshua Kurlantzick and American Prospect What Lies Beneath.
Levees.org. Remy Benoit
An invitation to secure your future wherever levees are supposed to protect your homes.
From Forbes and Cain Burdeau Corps Placed Faulty Pumps in New Orleans.
What is the situation with YOUR levees, with YOUR dams wherever you are? If you don't know, find out, and then doing something if it needs doing.
From The San Francisco Chronicle, Thomas J. Graff and Paul Harrison
California Water Projects
New and broader role needed for Army Corps of Engineers.
Louisiana Speaks.
And someone in Congress should speak for the people of the Gulf Coast. The residents did not put up inferior levies; nor did they recently install insufficient pumps. But it is they who took the loses, and now it is they who have to face this - and this is unacceptable. As premiums soar, some homeowners ‘go bare’
Frustrated residents in Katrina zone 'playing Russian roulette' with homes.
And we are pleased to announce that yesterday was the official release of Louisiana in Words. Read my review here and find out what extravagant lagniappe we have given you this time!
5 Years Plus Another Day. Remy Benoit
From The Huffington Post and John Murtha Four Costly Years at War.
From Jeff Huber at Military.com Playing the Course.
From Time, Jesse Singal and Christine Lim, and CNN SHOCK AND AWE.
From MSNBC, NBC, and Truus Bos Baghdad Signs of Normality Still Hard to See.
From CNN Iraq:Transition of Power.
From The Huffington Post and Gary Hart The Lessons of Iraq.
From The Washington Post, Jonathan Weisman, and MSNBC War bill includes tempting projects
Democrats’ tactic poses dilemma for some lawmakers.
The Paper Trail Follows Gonzalez. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Terry Frieden Internal documents detail U.S. attorney firings.
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales clings to job as firing questions mount
E-mails provide rich detail on what got some U.S. attorneys in trouble.
From The Washington Post, Dan Eggen and John Solomon, and Truthout Fitzgerald Ranked During Leak Case.
From Richard W. Behan at Common Dreams Impeachment As an Act of Patriotism.
From Inferential Focus, Mythic Passages and Jerry Wennstrom Re-inhabiting Our Innocence: Beginnings and Endings.
President Bush Expresses Displeasure. Remy Benoit
A mother expresses displeasure.
From Newsweek, Eve Conant, and MSNBC ‘This Isn’t Right.
For Whom Does Bolton Speak?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bolton says force may be needed against Iran
Ex envoy to U.N. says military action preferable to nuclear-armed Tehran.
From Christian Lowe at Military.com Depleted U.S. Forces Concerns Chairman.
If we are not properly supplying those already in combat, if we are not properly taking care of our Veterans, plus the ones we are making each and every day with serious injuries, with lives ending, how do we rationalize going for more regime change?
From Newsweek, Jonathan Alter, and MSNBC A Fatal Dose
A rash of drug overdoses at a Veterans Administration hospital in California raises new questions about the quality of military health care. Please do not let the issue of the care of our Veterans slide into the back pages of the papers, or off our TV screens. Contact Congress, Contact the White House, and DEMAND what is right.
From Move On If You Like War With Iraq....
From CNN General: Insurgents used kids as cover, then killed them. This is horrid, grotesque, and not acceptable, but it is not the first time or the first war where this was done. Perhaps we need to accept that this is done, has been done, and will continue to be done, until we find better ways to solve our problems. Again, we simply refuse to accept what we know about war.
From The Nation and Truthout Congress, End the War.
From Arianna Huffington and The Huffington Post Halliburton Polls.
From The New York Times, and Truthout, and Editorial What People Really Need.
From Bob Fitrakis & Harvey Wasserman and Common Dreams Blowback from Ohio's 2004 Stolen Election is Escalating.
From Devin Helfrich and Tom Paine Mushroom-Clouded Thinking.
Mr. Gore Goes to Washington. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Gore takes his warming warnings to Congress
House, Senate hearings come as momentum builds for emission curbs.
For those of you who are interested in Gore as a candidate in '08 Draft Gore Petition.
If you have had enough of both major parties, well , there is Unity '08.
If you have not yet seen An Inconvenient Truth. it is currently running on cable premium channels. Watch it, weep, and then do something about it.
For those of you too young to have had this particular movie as part of your growing up experience, well, Jimmy Stewart, the man everyone loved, the WWII Veteran, has left a legacy for you, an important legacy for you. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Watch it, cheer with him, restore your faith in the system, and then tell your Congressman to go watch it again, over and over, until she/he gets the message. This is the truth we want from them. It is time to take a stand.
I don't usually do this, include jokes, but this one came to me this morning from a Vietnam Vet, and it does seem so appropriate here.
An old-time Southern, hell fire & brimstone country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should to choosing a profession.
Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem too concerned about it.
One day, while the boy was away at school, his
father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table four objects:
- a Bible,
- a silver dollar,
- a bottle of whisky and
- a Playboy magazine
"I'll just hide behind the door," the old preacher said to himself. "When he comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which object he picks up.
"If it's the Bible, he's going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be!
"If he picks up the dollar, he's going to be a
businessman, and that would be okay, too.
"But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good, low down drunkard, and, Lord, help me.... what a shame that would be.
"And worst of all..... if he picks up that magazine he's gonna be a skirt-chasin', no good bum."
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's footsteps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room.
The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them.
Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink while he admired this
month's Centerfold.
"Lord have mercy," the old preacher disgustedly whispered, "he's gonna be a Congressman!"
Someone said to me basically, 'Well, they are politicians - that is the way of it - corruption, pork barrels, laziness, not listening to constituents.' That is what we have if we accept that. There are a lot of good people in Congress on both sides. You must demand that they become your state's Mr. Smith. Accept nothing less, and let them know that you won't. That is how change happens.
Gore: "a planetary emergency". Remy Benoit
Get the Facts on Global Warming.
Question: Do we really, really, really want to leave our children and grandchildren, and theirs a
planet that is falling apart and a generational war on terror? I truly think we can do better than that if we make up our minds to do it, and do it now.
From Newsweek, Christopher Dickey, and MSNBC Fossilized Thinking
We need to stop talking about good intentions and sinister conspiracies involving Iraq. It’s time to look at whether any of the proposals out there will see us through the dark labyrinth ahead.
Who cares for those who care for us?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Bill Dedman Safety officers denied on-duty death benefits
Despite passage of 2003 law, no claims for medical deaths have been paid.
From the IAVA Petition VA Sec. Nicholson to Increase Mental Health Staffing.
From Tom Hayden and The Huffington Post Cutting Off Funding for War: The 1973 Indochina Case.
From Senator James Webb Peace?Defeat? What did the Vietnam War Protesters Want/
These are two opinions of what happened way back when. There are many, many other opinions. You are welcome to share yours. Perhaps talking about the old one will help us find our way in the new war. Feelings are very strong in both situations. Indeed, it was, and is, a highly emotional time. Again, you are welcome to share your views, indeed, encouraged to share your views, but please do keep in mind school students come to the site, so express your position with clarity and dignity. Your point will be better made that way.
Wounds do not heal unless they are cleaned, tended to, and brought into the sun.
Construction Moves Slowly. Remy Benoit
From CNN Report raps poor planning for Iraq reconstruction.
From the AP and MSNBC Counties hit by Katrina slow to repopulate
Some Gulf Coast areas have less than half as many people as before.
From the AP, The Houston Chronicle and Janet McConnaughey Army Corps of Engineers blamed for Katrina flooding.
What "response" could the Corps possibly give to what has happened to lives here?
Perhaps there are wide ranging lessons in both these situations for us.
Perhaps diplomacy needs more considerations before the sabers are drawn.
Perhaps we need to accept what war does.
Perhaps we need to tend to our infrastructure better to prevent catastrophes; especially when those who are paid to know know there are problems that will cause calamity, and they are aware that those problems are not being tended to.
Perhaps as individuals we need to play more of a part in all of it - even starting at the very bottom of the base of a democracy, the thing that holds it together - the getting out and voting, followed by communications, frequent, with those we have elected to represent us.
Just some things to think about this Spring morning.
Here are a few more:
From the AP and MSNBC Democrats set Iraq deadline in spending bill
Senate proposal would set goal of pulling out troops by March 31, 2008. At the rate of the current dying and injury of our troops, do the math for yet another year and talk with your representatives about that.(Please see VIPS Statement below.) We are talking about real people here, not just uniforms, not just buildings in Iraq - real people - really hurting. That is the main verity of war.
From MSNBC Gore takes warming warning to Congress
Call for curbs on coal power, carbon emissions met with GOP skepticism. Perhaps our children would learn better manners if some our Senators would exhibit them to guests in the Senate. Thank you, Senator Boxer, for pointing that out common courtesy has not gone out of fashion when that became necessary.
From the LA Times, Bill McKibben, and Common Dreams Global Warming Can't Buy Happiness.
And from Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) Denouement on Iraq: First Stop the Bleeding.
Down History Lane: The Pentecost of Calamity. Remy Benoit
Perhaps you will recognize the name Owen Wister as a writer of the individualist Western cowboy spirit. Perhaps he is best know for his work The Virginian.From Harvard Magazine and Castle Freeman Jr. Owen Wister
Brief life of a Western mythmaker: 1860-1938.
From Medicine Bow, Wyoming
Medicine Bow Origin and History: A History of Owen Wister.
But today, going Down History Lane, I am asking you to take a look at another book of his; a book that will speak to us today by learning from 1915. Mr. Wister, who was born in my home town of Philadelphia, can remind you of the staunch, barn raising, cattle driving, skyscraper building American - I CAN. Remember those words of FDR:
Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself.
We have HUGE problems to solve. The call is out, answer it; use your voice to help come to good, solid, and reasonable solutions.
You know where your President is; where your Congressmen are.
Give them a call - give them the proverbial 'piece of your mind.' And do, also, remind them about manners which were much in absence yesterday in the Senate.
You have the CHOICE to prevent another calamity; or an ongoing calamity; get to it.
After all, there is only one of you with your particular perspective. Perhaps YOU are THE ONE with THE IDEA to prevent further calamity in any one of a number of areas.
Think of it this way - suppose someone at the Corps of Engineers had dug a little deeper, checked a little more closely, noticed land subsidence. What difference would that have made to our beloved New Orleans?
What if the all people who knew, and there are a lot of them, well placed who knew, all these decades about the ongoing problems our Veterans faced in getting help, kept writing, calling newspapers, websites, government and shouting out loud, FIX THIS, would these problems be only making headlines now?
Don't be the person who didn't; be the person who could - and did. Remember that little red engine from when you were growing up; that one that...could...could...could...DID!
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
PLEASE DO THIS. Remy Benoit
Yesterday the House passed the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act.
Please go to the IAVA and watch this video CBS: One Soldier's Harrowing Journey.
Now do you have the time to make the calls?
Now we need YOU to tell the Senate to follow through with S.479 - NOW.
Contact your Senators at Congress.
Please - they were there 24/7 - can you give them 5 minutes? I think so. Keep the Covenant - Be there for them, as they were there for you.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Iraq Vote. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Tom Curry Pelosi on brink of big win with Iraq funding test
Anti-war House members rally to speaker despite past ‘no’ votes on money.
From the AP and MSNBC UK says 15 soldiers detained by Iranian navy
Ministry summons Iranian ambassador, seeks immediate return of troops. This is a time for reason to prevail; diplomacy to go into motion; and thought of the ramifications of it all.
Washington State's Living Treasure. Remy Benoit
The work of this incredible woman, Vi Hilbert. was brought to my attention by Jerry Wennstrom, author of The Inspired Heart.
It is good for us to remember that there are many, many ways of life in this great country, and that many people work very hard to preserve them, protect them, and hand them down through the generations. Those who do this, are, indeed, National Living Treasures.
If you know someone who does something special to help others, do let us know.
This man, Dr. Edward Tick, author of War and the Soul. offers help and sanctuary to those who protect our ways of life. Do visit with him too.
For a lovely look inside life here in Louisiana, visit with me with my review, Moment to Moment, at Louisiana in Words.
For my review of The Inspired Heart. - and do visit with Jerry Wennstrom. His art work makes him too a National Treasure! While you are there, do not miss Marilyn Strong's Songs for Sophia. It is a truly beautiful CD and will introduce those of you who are unfamiliar with chanting to something quite amazing.
Murtha is Standing Firm. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC House approves 2008 deadline for war pullout
Bush calls it 'political theater' and vows to veto bill.
From Newsweek and Jon Meacham at MSNBC THE WAR IN THE WORDS OF THE DEAD.
VA Clinics Beset With Problems. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Many VA clinics beset with mold, leaky roofs
Agency head orders ‘immediate corrective action’ after internal review.
This is not a new problem!
There is accountability due here.
"Justice for All..". Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Eleanor Clift, and MSNBC Jim Webb on the Warpath The newly elected Democrat is trying to find a middle ground on the war—incorporating some elements of the House-passed bill without tying the military’s hands.
Born Fighting.
From General Wes Clark and Securing America Averting the Next Gulf War.
From the AP and Military.com Report Faults Officers in Tillman Case.
From Paul Rieckhoff at Military.com Our Troops Need More Than Prayers.
From the AP, Anne Flaherty, and Yahoo News Dems challenge Bush with Iraq timetable.
And maybe, just maybe, you can help with this one:
Laptops for the Wounded.
Please give your support to S. 479: A bill to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. Contacting Congress. They give 24/7 - please give them the few minutes for a couple phone calls.
Bill Moyers: A Time For Anger, A Call To Action. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at Common Dreams A Time For Anger, A Call To Action.
The Falklands War 25 Years Later. Remy Benoit
Mack sent this to me tonight from across the Atlantic.
From The Independent, UK The fallen & the forgotten: The Falklands War, 25 years on Tony McNally is still haunted by the day, 25 years ago, when his missiles malfunctioned and he watched his comrades die aboard the stricken 'Sir Galahad' in the Falklands. Paul Bignell reports.
Although his war was 25 years ago, what he saw will never leave him.
He is a staunch, and very vocal, advocate of treatment for soldiers and veterans and has devoted his life to trying to help get them the physical care, and the care for PTSD that they need. Mack knows only too well what living with PTSD means.
He is very concerned by the fact that Veteran hospitals are being closed in the UK, just as we are very concerned here about the conditions in our Veteran facilities.
You may read my review of Mack's Cloudpuncher. here at WHS.
You may join him at his website Rogue Gunner: The Thoughts of a Falklands Veteran.
His new book Watching Men Burn: The Falklands War, and What Came Next a Soldier's Story. comes out in May.
Perhaps Mack's story will help to get some of us thinking about what we are sending men, and women, to face when we send them to war. Perhaps his story will help us to understand what we owe them.
Perhaps, also, his story will make us push for more diplomacy - once we put the idea of war, of enemy, out there in the air we begin to make it our reality by separating them from us in a very negative way.
Just like everything else in our lives, it is all in the choices.
We need to choose, all over the world, to take care of the Veterans we have made - yes, we have made. No buck passing here.
Once again, please, everyone read this book - you need to begin to know what our soldiers and veterans know or you will not understand, nor be able to help them. Please do not say this is too hard to read, to face. This is what we send them to know, and live with for the rest of their lives. We owe them at least an effort to try to learn to understand that we must listen to what they try to tell us.Ed Tick: War and the Soul., and then go to visit Sanctuary. and maybe there is something you can do to help.
Big Brother Has Come to Supper. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karen De Young, and MSNBC Terror database casts a wide net
Watch list has quadrupled in size, raising management and privacy concerns.
From the New York Times, Jim Dwyer, and Truthout New York Police Spied Broadly Before GOP Convention.
Jerry Wennstrom: Holding a New Vision. Remy Benoit
Most of us think of a person with “vision,” as someone ahead of his or her time, someone who is in control and actually knows something that the rest of us do not. What people of vision hold is not a literal, insightful view of the world moving in a particular direction. What the visionary holds is a purely intuitive sense of something greater moving quietly through the collective. The visionary helps bring this “something,” into form by paying attention to the conditions and creative impulses of the times we are in. These conditions cannot be assured or perceived as absolute, as many political leaders would like to have us believe. Instead, vision is born out the abstract conditions of reverent unknowing and the ability to trust an emergent design. One would need to leave behind the comfort of a world fixed on solid perceptions to fully engage the conditions of this visionary unknowing. All successful enterprise comes out of one’s ability to find creative inspiration in a luminous void of unknowing. The bold new forms that further consciousness and change our world come through more like an inspired whisper than a definitive scream.
A wonderful example illustrating the mystery of this process is in the way Albert Einstein arrived at his life’s work. He admitted that the Theory of Relativity occurred to him in a dream that he experienced as an adolescent. In the dream he was riding on a sleigh that continued to accelerate until it approached the speed of light, where the stars began to distort, changing their pattern and colors and dazzling him with the power and beauty of their transformation. He admitted that the inception of his entire scientific career had begun with that dream.
Even after one’s vision begins to take form in the world, the ability to keep absolutes at bay are required to see the vision through as a unique and complete expression. One’s ability to hold the necessary unknowing that initially gave birth to the vision must be continually tended and refined in its’ original form. Lao Tsu says, “As it is in the beginning, it will be to the end.” The conditions of unknowing that brought through the original vision would have to be reflected in each progressive phase, as the vision finds solid grounding in perceptible reality. Any deviation would effectively interfere with the power and perfection of its final expression. With this in mind, tending a vision requires great care and absolute dedication. Even the most humble of visions has the potential to become a life’s work.
I have an upcoming storytelling/art event with friend and Salish tribal elder, Vi Hilbert. Vi is an extraordinary person and most certainly a woman with a vision! I continue to be astonished by the relentless way she holds her vision for her people. Vi is eighty-nine years old now, blind and living in an assisted-housing situation, yet, she will come out for an event to represent the stories of her people without hesitation. I have spent time and driven long-distances in a car with Vi. She often sits quietly, speaks gently and comes across as your quintessential, sweet, little old lady. Then, I have watched her completely transform into a woman of great strength and power when she begins to tell one of her traditional stories or speaks about the vision she holds for her people.
One’s own true vision is most often held alone and without fan-fare. Vi is greatly respected by her people and most certainly has a large following as a wise elder; yet I have glimpsed a deep loneliness in her in relation to the vision she holds. She often speaks of her longing that younger generations from her tribe would return to their roots and carry on the vision she holds for tribe after she is gone. The beautiful thing I see in Vi is that even with the limitation that comes with walking this good earth for 89 years, she carries on, living out her vision with or without the help of others! Perhaps the inevitable loneliness that comes with carrying one’s vision lies in the fact that there is no reference point to original creation. (How could there be?) Others simply don’t see the reality of a vision until it has undeniably established itself as a form in the collective.
I am certain that Vi’s people (and people in general) will eventually come to see the power and beauty of her vision. This may, however, not happen in her lifetime. Vision is not something one can simply hand over to others. In fact, it is more often than not, resisted. Vision, however, does win out in the end, in spite of being misunderstood by those who are attached to established old forms and fear change.
If you think about it, we are generally not taught how to inhabit the lonely wisdom necessary to carry out a vision for our culture. Instead, we are taught to please others, to fit into the cultural norms; to adapt and stay within the prescribed boundaries of an image of “success” in a conventional sense. And if we adapt completely to this model, we do so at the expense of our individuality and the very birthright of our own true Being!
We do, however, get a poetic glimpse into the requirements of a vision through our myths and stories. Even in the simplest of myths, one must accept loss, loneliness and obscurity in order to bring through the inspired resolve. How many of our myths, movies, and fairytales leave us in the “belly of the whale” for the proverbial three days before allowing us our well deserved “Happily Ever After?”
In both the ancient Sumerian myth of Inanna, and the later Greek myth of Demeter/Persephone, the goddesses either descend or are abducted to the underworld, where they die and are then reborn. This same place also exists in all spiritual traditions. The holy place of complete unknowing is the Garden of Gethsemane and the Buddha on the verge of enlightenment. The Hermetic tradition, whose confusing and labyrinthine treatises were studied and translated by psychologist C.G. Jung, describes a time spent in darkness as an important phase of the alchemical process. This phase is called the “nigredo,” a “black blacker than black,” where “putrefaction” occurs. This experience of breakdown and unknowing is an essential step in transmuting the lead of our unconscious, living itself out as “fate,” into the gold of conscious, deliberate creative life. The archetype of death and resurrection is essentially written-in, as a cross-cultural phenomenon. So who are we, swimming in the shallows, to expect anything significant to come from a diet of “Happy Meals?”
Without the ability to hold a personal vision and enter the landscape of the living myth, we are often reduced to one of three options:
1- We can become selfish, “dig in,” and turn a blind eye to the larger world, only taking care of “my, me and mine.” The corporate CEO, who, seeing the company in trouble, arranges a huge retirement settlement for himself while allowing his investors to go down with the ship, most notably demonstrates this behavior. In a more insidious way (that perhaps more of us can relate to) it is also demonstrated in the way we overindulge our children and ignore those in real need.
2- We can quietly accept defeat, personally and collectively, by allowing the shadow of hopelessness to wash over us and live the shadow out unconsciously. The condition of this scenario, I believe, translates to personal, economic and social “Depression.”
3- We can allow the hopelessness born of our collective shadow to saturate our lives and live it out with reckless abandon, which is what I think many of our young people are doing these days.
A focused vision is the only real grounding we have at times of uncertainty. With vision, we can fearlessly inhabit chaos and uncertainty, allowing the challenges we may be faced with to become grist for the mill of transformation. Keats says, “… Negative Capability… is when man is capable of being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts without any irritable reaching after fact & reason.” Keats believed that great people have the ability to accept that not everything can be reasonably resolved. He believed that the truths found in the imagination access holy authority and such authority cannot be accessed without one’s "being in uncertainty.” Vision and imagination become indistinguishable when the moment calls on us to trust our intuitive sense of greater possibility. One who holds a vision knows that chaos and the inevitable undoing of established forms offers the most potential for radical, inspired breakthrough.
The vision we hold, in its original form, can be anything. It can be as simple as a personal dream – like the wish to be a successful businessman. If a vision is pursued in earnest, it will develop and demand more and more of us as it evolves. For example, the businessman who starts out with the simple desire to make money has the potential to create a lofty new business model for the world if he/she remains fully engaged with the evolving demands of that vision. A vision relentlessly pursued becomes a journey that takes us on an unimaginable adventure. With selfless determination even a simple, material quest becomes a soul quest!
As the vision evolves we come to see how everything is interconnected and the smaller self that may have initiated the vision, develops and begins to meet the requirements of a larger Self that steps forth to hold the more expanded vision. A person whose awareness expands as their vision expands moves closer to a more dynamic edge and begins to find resonance and inspiration in the extraordinary accomplishments of their predecessors. The dynamics of this edge draws the visionary irresistibly forward into a position of greater responsibility and better articulation of their vision. With the articulation of the vision established, one’s individual accomplishment becomes indistinguishable from the collective’s accomplishment, as it belongs to all of us. Lao Tsu says, “…when the sage’s work (vision) is done the people feel they have done it themselves.”
It is no small thing to land one’s vision on the runway of a timely, receptive moment in the world. It requires everything human we have available, and the miracle of every best advantage, inspired and fallen into place. To see the workings of vision coming through and touching the world, one would have to acquiesce to the hand of Grace.
Hagel - Impeachment is an option. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC GOP’s Hagel calls Bush impeachment an option
Republican senator blasts president’s go-it-alone stance on Iraq policy.
People Die in War. Remy Benoit
War is destruction - it replaces the creative urge with destruction. It leaves us all to live with the ramifications of that.
From Newsweek,Rod Nordland and Babak Dehghanpisheh, and MSNBC A Day of Death
For every soldier or Marine who dies in Iraq, at least 20 Iraqis are killed. Some of their stories.
While you are at this article, click on the Videos, Voices of the Fallen. These are the voices of those not coming home. It is up close and personal. Face it.
We need to face that fact that war is destructive of peoples' dreams, lives, homes, infrastructure, and just about everything else.
We need diplomacy - we need to talk with each other.
Or...a terrible or...here we go again. From Reuters and MSNBC Iranian military warns U.S. against any attack
Comments come two days after U.N. imposed new sanctions on Tehran.
Please read Edward Tick: War and the Soul.
To Be a Patriot, One Must Ask Questions. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Senators question FBI's Patriot Act powers.
Where Have All the Statesmen Gone?. Remy Benoit
War has been defined as a failure of diplomacy.
This is a time for diplomacy.
This is a time for a recognition of what war is.
The war goes on in Afghanistan.
This month, again, casualties were high in Iraq, both for us, and for the Iraqis. And yet, here we see no national mourning, perhaps because we are not permitted to see our dead come home.
Soldiers, Veterans, need a time for mourning. Most of them spend their lives mourning those they have lost. The relationships of combat soldiers are the closest ones they will every make.
We do not give them support in mourning. We tell them "to get on with it." We need to be there for them through this, all the way through this.
We need to support them in mourning the parts of themselves they have lost, and in helping them bring soul pieces back home to them.
But we are sending them back, without time to heal at all, without training, without proper equipment, with PTSD, with the cloud of yet another engagement, war, hanging over them. What are we thinking? Indeed, are we thinking of the long range ramifications of all of this?
We need statesmen who know the art of diplomacy engaged in it.
From the AP and Military.com Marine Reservists Involuntarily Recalled.
We need to be a huge, national family, engaged in a collective mourning.
We need to give thought to what we allow to be done in our names.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. launches show of force in Persian Gulf
Aircraft carriers, warplanes feature in maneuvers off the coast of Iran.
And some thoughts from James Carroll, as well as his readers, at The Boston Globe and Common Dreams Americans Face A Moral Reckoning.
And, again, I direct you to Bill Moyers at Common Dreams A Time For Anger, A Call To Action.
Maybe we need to take a larger view of our planet. From Devin Gordon and Newsweek Television: Destination Earth. What heritage to we want to leave our children and grandchildren? We must think beyond today; we truly must.
Senate Votes Deadline. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate votes for Iraq withdrawal by next March
Defying veto threat, lawmakers attach timeline to $122 billion funding bill.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, from MSNBC Off-duty Iraqi police slay dozens, officials say
At least 45 Sunnis killed in apparent reprisal for bombings in Tal Afar.
From the Daytona Beach News Journal Online and Pierre Tristam Past due: Constructive national self-examination.
Job Fairs for Wounded Veterans. Remy Benoit
From San Antonio - good for you! - and the AP at Truthout Job Fair Caters to Vets Wounded in Iraq.
Bush Says Will Still Veto. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush renews vow to veto Iraq troop withdrawal
President accuses Democratics of meddling in military strategy.
The People spoke in November - the Congress has spoken. The message is not getting through.
To contact the White House.
The White House lines are jammed; you may have to wait a moment or two - be succinct, be specific in your comments, be firm, and do be polite. The people answering the phones are just doing their jobs - please do not take your frustrations out on them.
From the AP and MSNBC Obama accuses Bush of 'Social Darwinism'
Opposes effort to 'divvy up the government into individual tax breaks'.
A Passing. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Last female U.S. veteran of WWI dies.
Can you imagine the changes Ms. Winters saw in the course of her lifetime?
Rest easy, and thank you for your service.
Joe Galloway: Five Years of Broken. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at Military.com Five Years of Broken.
From Christian Lowe at Military.com 'Dwell Time' Could be Cut for Surge.
From the AP at Military.com Tillman Case Could Bring Punishments.
From The Los Angeles Times and Noam N. Levey 'Calm down' on Iraq, Pelosi tells Bush Democrats urge the president to back away from his pledges to veto any war funding bill that sets dates for a troop withdrawal.
From MSNBC Sources: 100 killed by multiple car bomb blasts
Explosions in Baghdad, Khalis point to escalation of violence against Shiites.
From the AP and CNN A president walks into a journalists' dinner ....
And on a totally different topic, for those of you who have been waiting for the 7th installment of Harry Potter, well, here is the U.S. "cover story" from I Village Final 'Harry Potter' cover revealed
Editor Arthur A. Levine unveils 'Deathly Hallows' jacket on TODAY.
Saudi Arabian King Blasts U.S. in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Saudis on U.S. in Iraq: 'illegitimate foreign occupation'.
From the AP and Military.com Military Employs Bomb-Sniffing Robots.
From Tom Philpott at Military.com Medical Budget Cuts Hit.
From The Nation and William Greider Iraq Deadline: An Extraordinary Political Moment.
From The Seattle Times and Katherine Pryor New voices for a new war.
From Sarah Olson at Common Dreams Opposition to the War Growing Among Troops.
From The New York Times, an Editorial Legislating Leadership on Iraq.
From The New York Times, Kirk Semple, at Truthout More Than 100 Are Killed in Iraq as a Wave of Sectarian Attacks Shows No Sign of Letting Up.
"I Apologize.". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush apologizes for conditions at Walter Reed
President makes first trip to center since veterans' neglect was exposed.
I have to ask, what about insufficient training;
what about insufficient matériel;what about relief time? Maybe with those, maybe with an exit plan, there would be less injuries.
From the IAVA Walter Reed Fiasco Results in Positive Changes.
From the AP, Scott Lindlaw, and Yahoo News AP: Gen. tried to warn Bush on Tillman.
From the AP and CNN Iran note ties nuclear stance to fear of attack.
From CNN White House criticizes Pelosi's planned Syria visit.
From the AP and CNN Bush: 'We're going to fix' Walter Reed.
The President is the head of "the system," as Max Cleland pointed out so well on "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer. The casualties continue, each and everyday. It is time for a time line, and
accountability. This is no time for passing the buck. You cannot morally legitimize making Veterans without plans for caring for them. It is just plain wrong.
The Pain Goes on, and Grows. Remy Benoit
From Worldblog at MSNBC Iraq A Nation of Widows.
From Richard Behan at Common Dreams George Bush’s Land Mine: If the Iraqi People Get Revenue Sharing, They Lose Their Oil to Exxon.
From Richard Behan at AlterNet From Afghanistan to Iraq: Connecting the Dots with Oil.
From the AP and Global Researcher New US Embassy in Baghdad: Size of Vatican City.
From Veterans for America and Bobby Muller President's Visit to Walter Reed: Statement of Veterans for America.
From GovTrack H.R. 1591: U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007.
And this article should get some blood moving - some thought - some reflection - some, well, you tell me. From Scott Ritter, Truthdig, at Common Dreams Calling Out Idiot America.
Although this is not a new tactic, as practically any Vietnam Veteran can tell you, it is still an unacceptable practice and one we should be very much aware of. Iraqi Children Used as Decoys. When you think about it, on the large scale, those we send to fight were once our children - the ones for whom we put up child gates, used car seats, sat up many nights in terror with over a high fever. There is something in all this to think about. Please read Ed Tick: War and the Soul. Please read this book, ask your library to get copies, share the book you have. This is the face, the real face, of what we are sending those once preciously attended children of ours to face. War is ugly - we don't seem to get that. If we did, we would absolutely demand real diplomacy by those schooled in the culture of the countries we send them to.
How many Veterans are living on the streets of your city? Why are we allowing that?
From the AP and MSNBC More homeless veterans than beds for them
Agencies struggle to deal with thousands at risk of ending up on street. What is wrong with "the system" that we have over 250,000 homeless Veterans? Ask your Congressmen, ask your Senators, ask the Presidents, and ask the Veterans themselves. The answers will move you to action to do something about it. This,like VA medical facility problems, are LONG STANDING problems, being increased every day.
From MSNBC Tal Afar bomb toll hits 152, deadliest of Iraq war
Tally arrives during week in which more than 500 died in sectarian violence.
Beam Him Up. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at Yahoo News Star Trek's Scotty plots last course for the stars.
You are missed, Scotty! Farewell.
Jeremy Scahill: Blackwater . Remy Benoit
Join Jeremy Scahill in a discussion of Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army . on C-SPAN'S After Words with CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin tonight ( Saturday 3/31 ) at 9 PM Eastern and Sunday, 6 PM Eastern.
U.S. Forces Lose More Than Iraqi Forces. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. death toll in March twice that of Iraq forces
81 American troops killed in first full month of security crackdown.
There were 83 KIA in January, 80 in February, which bring the death toll to 3,246.
For Iraqi civilians from December - 2,172; for January - 1604; for February - 1,552;
for March - 1,872.
WIA for U.S. Forces - 24,314 + From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
These above are not numbers, they are people whose lives have ended, whose lives have been forever altered as war leaves none of its survivors the same.
According to one report, 1,200 American kids have lost a parent.
From Tanya Biank at Military.com Leaving War on the Battlefield. But the fact is, war is not left on the battlefield; it is carried, for life, by those who know it.
The Congress majority needs to stop going halfway to resolve this issue. The President needs to hear the voice of the people. That is the real surge.
From Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity at Tom Paine Unwise Brinkmanship In Iran.
From the AP and MSNBC Olmert invites Arab leaders to peace conference
Israeli PM denies reports of joint strike with U.S. on Iran, Syria, Lebanon.
This is the Way We Treat Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
The question is, what are YOU going to do about it?
From The Nation and Joshua Kors How Specialist Town Lost His Benefits. Also, letters relating to this Responses.
From The Nation and Ari Berman Looking Out for Veterans.
Contact Info:
Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Robert Filner.
IAVA Petition to Nicholson to Increase Mental Health Staffing.
Senator James Webb: Born Fighting.
Military Order of the Purple Heart.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
White House.
Former U.S. Senator, Vietnam Combat Veteran Max Cleland Endorses Iraq Accountability Act.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Keep the Covenant - they are there for you - be there for them. It is the right thing to do.
Passings. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Last WWI Navy Vet Dies.
From the AP and CNN Was Amelia Earhart a doomed castaway?.
Thank you both for your service.
To Whom Does the Law Apply?. Remy Benoit
The wars go on in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Six more U.S. soldiers died while Senator McCain spoke of improvements in safety which have been so highly paid for with lives. Campaigning in a war zone, by any of the candidates, is something we need to consider in the realm of common courtesy and its violation. It does make the job of those who serve just that much more difficult with all the security for all those 'safe' zones.
While we all hold the British sailors held in Iran in our prayers for the quick and safe return, there just might be some things to consider in this piece by Robert Parry, Consortium News, at Truthout. Bush, Iran & Selective Outrage.
From William Fisher at Truthout Battle Over Habeas Corpus Returns.
Moving to Rescind Invitation to Cheney to Speak at BYU. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Cheney may face tough crowd at graduation
Students, faculty protest Brigham Young’s commencement speaker choice.
Also, this from the Supreme Court - from MSNBC - Warming ruling squeezes Bush from both sides
Justices say government must explain refusal to act on car emissions.
From Normon Solomon at Common Dreams While McCain Walks in McNamara’s Footsteps.
From The Miami Herald and Dennis Jett at Common Dreams Get Out - Now.
From Robert C. Hinkley at Common Dreams Another Inconvenient Truth.
Seems like it is coming to a time to re-fine who we are. Who are we? Your thoughts?
From Tom Paine an Editor's Comment Bush Loses, Earth Wins.
AN ABSOLUTE DON'T MISS!. Remy Benoit
The Discover Channel is running an 11 part mini-series, Planet Earth.
A 5 star review would simply not do it justice!!
It is extraordinary, and a spectacular reminder that we must face the truth that we are caretakers of a truly amazing planet.
If you have children, it does show nature and animals as they are - be advised of that, but do not miss this show.
To the Discover Channel - a resounding THANK YOU FOR THIS!
The Debates Deepen. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush, Democrats escalate Iraq war debate
President expected to address legislation as Reid says he may yank funding.
From the AP and CNN Iraq official: U.S. pressed to release detained Iranians.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout And Then, Something Went Bump.
From The Washington Post and Peter Eisner at Truthout How Bogus Letter Became a Case for War.
From Joe Galloway at Military.com End of a Tormented Presidency.
From The Nation and Christopher Hayes The Sum of Our Fears.
From Scott Bontz at Common Dreams How Will Our Grandchildren See Us?.
Reclaim Democracy.org: Restoring Citizen Authority Over Corporations.
Speaker Pelosi in Syria. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Pelosi tours Damascus, rebuffing criticism
Sweets, carpets and diplomacy on speaker’s agenda; White House protests.
We cannot communicate with others if we do not engage them in conversation, in diplomacy. War is a failure of diplomacy - if you do not engage in diplomacy, you have failed from the beginning.
From The Boston Globe and Peter S. Cannellos On the homefront, another battle ensues.
And while the peacocking positioning goes on, our troops and Iraqis die. Those in combat are not off for Spring break this week. Perhaps Congress should have stayed 'in school' and worked on the problem those in combat are facing.
Maybe, 100 times on the 'chalkboard' - "We can end this rationally, compassionately, and quickly. We can stop thinking about '08 and deal with today, and tomorrow for those in such dire danger."
It is quite disturbing to watch the "candidates' worry more about themselves, their campaign $, and their polls than about our troops.
That we must tell them.
Opening Dialogue. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Pelosi shrugs off Bush’s criticism, meets Assad
Democrat raises issues of Mideast peace, Iraq with Syrian president.
From The Denver Post Editorial Board Travel jostles Mideast policy.
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker, and MSNBC For Bush, fighting Democrats and doubts
In a ‘political dance’ over Iraq, president tries to take the lead.
From CNN Army tells managers to prep for potential money crunch.
From Robert Naiman at Common Dreams Senator Obama, Congress Has Many Options Besides Full Funding Without Withdrawal.
From The Carroll Cobble Courier (Brooklyn, NY) and Joe Maniscalco at Common Dreams ‘No More Iraq War,’ Kids Cry - Youngsters Lead Peace Parade Through Brooklyn.
From Paul Rieckhoff at Military.com Give Congress Some Credit.
From Stephen H. Rhode at Truthout Silence Is Betrayal.
From William Fisher at Truthout The Right Seeks to Rein In Presidential Power.
From CNN Iran welcomes UK diplomatic efforts.
There are a number of positions on issues here, good for for thought as to what your position is.
Iran to Free Hostages. Remy Benoit
This is an opening to diplomacy, to communicate.
Ask your Congressmen and Senators to demand that - not yet another war.
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
House Committee on Foreign Relations.
Speak up America - this is your money and your country.
From Aziz Hug at Tom Paine Politicizing National Security.
From Seymour Hersh The Redirection Is the Administration’s new policy benefitting our enemies in the war on terrorism? at The New Yorker.
Check These Pet Codes. Remy Benoit
Our animals, our pets, have rights too.
CHECK THESE DATE CODES BEFORE YOU FEED YOUR FURRY LOVED ONES! - If they have known, as alleged, since December that there were problems, then we need to see that they have a problem now.
From CNN Officials say 38 Oregon pet deaths could be tied to recall.
A Big GOP Defection. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Richard Wolffe and Holly Bailey at MSNBC A Turncoat in Team Bush's Midst
The White House is still reeling from 2004 strategist Matt Dowd's defection from the Bush ranks.
UK Sailors Home Again. Remy Benoit
While there is rejoicing that the UK Sailors are home again (From the AP and MSNBC U.K. personnel arrive home after Iran captivity
Blair welcomes return, but calls for more international pressure on Tehran. ) their country mourns the loss of four soldiers, the largest number lost in one day since Nov. 12.
Also from the AP and MSNBC, yet another Blackhawk Down U.S. helicopter goes down, Iraqi official says
Gunmen reportedly fired on Black Hawk as it few over Sunni stronghold.
From Richard Engel's War Zone Diary at MSNBC Engel: ‘I’ve seen so many ugly things’ 'I have so many memories I am not sure people are equipped to deal with,' says NBC correspondent Richard Engel, on his four years covering the war.
Richard, do share the ugly images of war with the public. They will continue to support these failures of diplomacy until they truly face the wretchedness, the insatiable face of war. Our prayers and our thanks are with you; with all of you over there. Ah, remember when Over There was supposed to be for the 'war to end all wars'?
For those of you too young to remember - from The First World War.com Vintage Audio: Over There. Again, somethings to think about.
A Reminder: if you have not seen Joyeux Noel. do so. Keep in mind, this was early on in the war when they still had thought the mission would be accomplished and that they would be home for Christmas, 1914. Those who made it home for another Christmas, after countries having lost almost an entire generation of their young, didn't make it home for the holidays until 1918, or later.
Why can't we get that war is ugly?
From Global Spiral, the Metanexus Institute, and Eric Weislogel Whatever Happened to Wisdom?.
New Orleans Needs You. Remy Benoit
The Crescent City, the Big Easy, our beloved N'Awlins is one water pump away from not having a viable water system. There were 4 pumps, 2 are down - the system is antiquated and cannot handle the water pressure of "modern equipment" and there are "disagreements" between the New Orleans Water Board and FEMA - the answer - hire a consultant for several million dollars to "analyze the system."
It is 19 months since Katrina - where is Congress, where are the promises made by the President?
This is a major American port city - stand by us - raise some hell and help us - who knows where the next natural disaster will go - maybe your hometown?
We are the most powerful nation in the world - why can't we help our own?
Feeding the Surge. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC 12,000 more Guard troops may be going to Iraq
Deployment order planned to lessen ‘surge’s’ strain on stretched-thin Army.
From John Murtha at The Huffington Post My Response to the President's Veto Threat.
From the AP and MSNBC Cheney reasserts al-Qaida-Saddam connection
Vice president’s words come as latest Pentagon report again dismisses link.
From The Progressive, Matthew Rothschild at Common Dreams Bush Plays Superhero in Iraq.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout The American Tragedy of John McCain.
From Newsweek, Voices of the Fallen: Letters Home. Do you have the courage to read these words of those who gave their lives in this war? Do you have the courage to feel their pain - to at least in this way honor their passing? War is ugly - we need to get that.
From CNN and Michael Ware U.S. protects Iranian opposition group in Iraq.
Down History Lane with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Truthout Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.
From NOW, PBS Programming at Truthout Losing the War for Hearts and Minds in the Middle East.
Sometimes we need to look at the larger picture. AT MSNBC, Rabbi Gellman with Newsweek speaks to this question Problems and Mysteries
The debate about whether God is real misses the true nature of the question. Here’s why.
From Reuters at MSNBC Experts warn warming will harm society, nature
U.N. says climate change Africa could be hit harder than other regions.
From the AP and CNN Study: Climate change could bring new U.S. Dust Bowl.
From the AP and CNN Scientists: Lake Superior warming rapidly.
There are several inconvenient truths that we have to face: we are too quick to sacrifice our young to the insatiable gods of war without proper determinations that what we are being told is true; we kill each other in the name of our respective God; we are poor caretakers of this fragile planet.
None of these indicate mature behavior. As to the future of this planet, as to what we leave our children and grandchildren, well, we are the Deciders and we need to get up and do what must be done. We need to do that NOW. Dr. King was right, there is a time to break silence, and it is that time.
From MSNBC and Mike Taibbi In Iraq, the war away from the headlines
Sadness, frustration on display as 3rd ID carries out its mission.
And, some thoughts from Noam Chomsky at Tom Paine What If Iran Had Invaded Mexico?.
Gives Whole New Meaning to "Cooking the Books". Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner at Truthout Pentagon Officer Created Phony Intel on Iraq/al-Qaeda Link.
From the AP and CNN War bleeds Baghdad of its best and brightest.
From Newsweek and Christopher Dickey at MSNBC The Sounds of Silence The Bush administration’s refusal to talk to those it deems unworthy is complicating the mess in the Middle East. No wonder the rest of the world is now working around Washington.
Seems the Inconvenient Truth has to be Accepted. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Climate report: World's poorest will suffer most.
The question is now, what are we going to do about it?
When I was child and Joe McCarthy was doing his nasty thing; when the cold war was MAD, we used to watch the apocalyptic movies about Godzilla, about invasions from another planet. My favorite one has always been The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Do you remember, those of you of a 'certain age' how very much the scientist with the chalkboard looked so much like Albert Einstein, a childhood Superhero for me?
When it came time to do it, the command was given to the robot: "Klaatu barada nikto" - it meant 'don't take the earth down' - "do not destroy."
What will take for us to see that we are the enemy here - we are the 'invader' constantly perpetrating the unthinkable in ways of damage to this planet?
What will it take for us to get beyond the dogmas and isms to see that we need to work together?
If poverty, famine, and the ugly face of war won't make us see, what will?
This is a wake-up call to the planet - all the dogmas, all the isms, won't meant anything if we lose our earthly home to our own negligence and destruction. Ironically, working together means more rights for all - more food for all - less war.
Here are some places to start looking into a better way:
Please, if you know groups that are trying to make us look ahead to a better future, an earth friendly environment, do send me their names and links.
American Community Gardening Association.
If you shop locally, you save gas, help to clean the air, save money. Plant a garden this year - even a patio garden - but make the first step, now, while we still can.
Global Anti- Incinerator Alliance
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.
World Society for the Protection of Animals.
This "Inconvenient Truth' Mr Gore has so repeatedly attempted to make us "get" belongs to all citizens, of all nations. Thank you, Mr. Gore, for your untiring efforts, and blessings on your path.
The choice, as always, is in our hands. Ah, and perhaps, just perhaps, touching nature once again will enable us to find the world soul of which we are all apart. Perhaps then, we will have our families together and not be sending 'care packages' to our loved ones in uniform in the hells we have made them; not watching them wake up screaming from the hells we have sent them to know; not find them in quarter of a million numbers, living without hope, on our streets.
We need a new mythology. Will you help to write it. Here are some people who are doing just that. Mythic Journeys.
Anyone have any expertise to help solve this problem? Cosmos: Mystery of the dying bees by Benjamin Lester.
To have life, to nurture life, you must be fully engaged in it. Yes, it is work, constant work, but it is also joy that is not only there for you, but part of the legacy that you will leave. What do you want your legacy to be? Determine that and fully engage in it. Your soul is part of the universal soul - doing the work you were sent to do is the plan your God, by whatever name called, had in mind for you. Whether you believe we walk this way once, or many times, walk gently, with love and total commitment.
Holiday Blessings,
Miz' Remy
A Statement from Senator Ted Kennedy. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Restoring the Rule of Law Senator Edward Kennedy.
Two Different Wars Being Fought?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at Military.com Rhetoric Rings Hollow.
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC Political timelines collide with Iraq realities
Commanders say it will take years, not months, to measure ‘surge’ progress.
We need to demand that our leaders face the realities of what they have begun. We need Congress to step up to bat for us. From Ivan Eland at Military.com Pelosi's Trip and Framers' Intent.
From The Nation and John Nichols at Common Dreams Conservatives for the Constitution.
From the AP and MSNBC Truck bomb hits south of Baghdad; 15 killed
U.S. military also says four American soldiers killed in Diyala province.
Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances. Remy Benoit
Where are the Welcoming Roses?. Remy Benoit
From CNN Thousands join anti-U.S. march marking Baghdad's fall.
From The Washington Post, Sudarsan Raghavan, and MSNBC Four years after Saddam’s fall, regret in Iraq
Harley-Davidson fan who helped topple statue wants old order back.
From the AP and CNN Taliban behead Afghan translator.
From the AP and MSNBC Ahmadinejad: Iran expanding nuclear process
Defiant president says country can make nuclear fuel on ‘industrial scale.
There seems to be a serious lack of communication, understanding, and diplomacy in all these situations. In the case of Iran, while the President here wants to build new nucs, he is telling these people they can't have any. Perhaps democracy would 'spread' in a more positive way if it was done by example; by leaving room for 'saving face'.
From ABC News, Brian Ross and Christopher Isham ABC News Exclusive: The Secret War Against Iran.
All these actions, which are not new, give more and more import to Mr. Wilson's ideal - 'open covenants, openly arrived at.' Is that really too much to ask when the lives of our young, all over the world, are the price we pay for duplicity?
Arthurian Legend Lives On. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN King Arthur's legend lives on at Tintagel.
Just imagine, a round table today; with cool heads and reason settling issues between, and, indeed, within countries.
Just imagine a round table dedicated to the preservation of the planet, and the best life possible for all who dwell here.
Just imagine a round table where saber rattling and oneupsmanship were noticeable by their absence.
We need a new mythology - how do we translate the Arthurian Legend - the Arthurian "dream" - into modern day terms?
Where are the Wizards to guide us?
The Suicide Bomber: Collateral Damage Not a Problem - Even Your Own People. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Sami Yousafzai and Ron Moreau, at MSNBC Suicide Offensive Face to face with the Taliban's new favorite weapon in the Afghan war: human bombs.
From CNN
15 killed in bombings in Iraq.
With 4 more U.S. service personnel killed in Iraq on Monday, tour extensions considered for almost 15,000. From the AP and Military.com Pentagon Considers Extending Tours.
This piece by Chris Hedges from Truthdig at Common Dreams, gives pause to one of the considerations behind foreign policy that is, well, not mainline for most of America. Praying for the Apocalypse.
From Tom Englehardt at Tom Dispatch Six Crises in Search of an Author
How the Bush Administration Destabilized the "Arc of Instability".
From John Nichols, The Nation, at Common Dreams Exit Iraq? Republicans say “Yes!”.
From the Center for Defense Information and Lawrence Korb Five Reasons to Leave Iraq.
Here are some other things to consider. From Chuck Collins at Tom Paine CEO Window Undressing.
From Tom Paine Climate: Debating The Nondebatable.
Apollo Allliance.
Take Back America 2007.
Populist Party of America.
And some very uncomfortable thoughts, definitely taking you out of a national comfort zone, by Robert Jensen at Tom Paine Impeachment: Why Stop At Bush?.
It is time to take a stand - both by the Congress, and by each and every one of us. Who are we, America? If you are not happy with the proposed candidates, make that clear to incumbents and to the candidates themselves. Tell them you want more than the same old, same old. If you have someone else in mind, tell them. You can always start an online draft "so and so" petition as Al Gore's followers have. Draft Gore. Who is your idea of a draft candidate?
Step it Up - April 13 - New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Save New Orleans, Stop Global Warming
New Orleans, LA April 13, 2007 05:30PM to 06:30PM.
"No, thank you.". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, and MSNBC 3 generals spurn war ‘czar’ post
Bush seeks overseer for Iraq, Afghanistan.
From the AP and CNN Truthout Waxman Still Wants Rice to Answer Question on Niger Uranium Claims.
From The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel & Stephen Colbert Katrina vs. Colbert.Warning: This is an adult video.
From Charlie Savage at the Boston Globe Scandal puts spotlight on Christian law school
Grads influential in Justice Dept.
From John Kerry.com She had a right to go. And she was right to go.
Perhaps we need an old story to help us find a new way - indeed, a new heart. From L. Frank Baum's, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - the real story of the Tin Man:
"Oh, I see," said the Tin Woodman. "But, after all, brains are not the best things in the world."
"Have you any?" inquired the Scarecrow.
"No, my head is quite empty," answered the Woodman. "But once I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart."
"And why is that?" asked the Scarecrow.
"I will tell you my story, and then you will know."
So, while they were walking through the forest, the Tin Woodman told the following story:
"I was born the son of a woodman who chopped down trees in the forest and sold the wood for a living. When I grew up, I too became a woodchopper, and after my father died I took care of my old mother as long as she lived. Then I made up my mind that instead of living alone I would marry, so that I might not become lonely.
"There was one of the Munchkin girls who was so beautiful that I soon grew to love her with all my heart. She, on her part, promised to marry me as soon as I could earn enough money to build a better house for her; so I set to work harder than ever. But the girl lived with an old woman who did not want her to marry anyone, for she was so lazy she wished the girl to remain with her and do the cooking and the housework. So the old woman went to the Wicked Witch of the East, and promised her two sheep and a cow if she would prevent the marriage. Thereupon the Wicked Witch enchanted my axe, and when I was chopping away at my best one day, for I was anxious to get the new house and my wife as soon as possible, the axe slipped all at once and cut off my left leg.
"This at first seemed a great misfortune, for I knew a one-legged man could not do very well as a wood-chopper. So I went to a tinsmith and had him make me a new leg out of tin. The leg worked very well, once I was used to it. But my action angered the Wicked Witch of the East, for she had promised the old woman I should not marry the pretty Munchkin girl. When I began chopping again, my axe slipped and cut off my right leg. Again I went to the tinsmith, and again he made me a leg out of tin. After this the enchanted axe cut off my arms, one after the other; but, nothing daunted, I had them replaced with tin ones. The Wicked Witch then made the axe slip and cut off my head, and at first I thought that was the end of me. But the tinsmith happened to come along, and he made me a new head out of tin.
"I thought I had beaten the Wicked Witch then, and I worked harder than ever; but I little knew how cruel my enemy could be. She thought of a new way to kill my love for the beautiful Munchkin maiden, and made my axe slip again, so that it cut right through my body, splitting me into two halves. Once more the tinsmith came to my help and made me a body of tin, fastening my tin arms and legs and head to it, by means of joints, so that I could move around as well as ever. But, alas! I had now no heart, so that I lost all my love for the Munchkin girl, and did not care whether I married her or not. I suppose she is still living with the old woman, waiting for me to come after her.
"My body shone so brightly in the sun that I felt very proud of it and it did not matter now if my axe slipped, for it could not cut me. There was only one danger--that my joints would rust; but I kept an oil-can in my cottage and took care to oil myself whenever I needed it. However, there came a day when I forgot to do this, and, being caught in a rainstorm, before I thought of the danger my joints had rusted, and I was left to stand in the woods until you came to help me. It was a terrible thing to undergo, but during the year I stood there I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart. While I was in love I was the happiest man on earth; but no one can love who has not a heart, and so I am resolved to ask Oz to give me one. If he does, I will go back to the Munchkin maiden and marry her."
Both Dorothy and the Scarecrow had been greatly interested in the story of the Tin Woodman, and now they knew why he was so anxious to get a new heart.
"All the same," said the Scarecrow, "I shall ask for brains instead of a heart; for a fool would not know what to do with a heart if he had one."
"I shall take the heart," returned the Tin Woodman; "for brains do not make one happy, and happiness is the best thing in the world."
It is not just the Tin Man that the Universe asks to be a hero - the Universe asks for the hero - one full of compassion and heart - from each of us. Pick up your oil can - get your heart beating, and help us find a better way. Today.
When it Comes Down to It - Promises Unkept. Remy Benoit
From Bill Walsh and the Times Picayune White House resists plan for 72-mile storm shield
Denying Terrebonne project would be mistake, Vitter says.
New Orleans is the city that D.C. forgot.
Also from the Times Picayune and Gwen Filosa N.O. officials plead for help with crime
City is overwhelmed, they tell congressmen.
Which city will be next to suffer from a natural disaster, and a government that forgets?
Inside Green Zone. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Army Tours Extended to 15 Months.
Healing Today's Children. Remy Benoit
Every day we watch pictures of destruction; photos of what is left behind by suicide bombers and warfare; photos of what is left behind from famine, genocide, natural disasters, drunken drivers, terminal illness, and all the other catastrophes of life.
What we usually don't see is the personal impact on individual lives of children of these terrible life events.
Well over 1000 children here have lost a parent to war recently - we don't know how many children in Iraq, in Afghanistan, have a lost a parent.
Will you be there for one of them when they need a hand to hold to guide them?
Will you be there for some other child who bears no responsibility for the lost she or he is facing?Make A Difference.
Make a difference - take a hand - mend a heart.
Healing today's Children.
And thanks, Al, for sending this!
15 Months?. Remy Benoit
From Paul Rieckhoff and the IAVA TODAY on Hardball with Chris Matthews 15 Months?
Reponse Ability?. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Spencer S. Hsu, and MSNBC Tons of food spoiled as FEMA ran out of space
More than $40 million-worth of food being tossed out, scavenged for re-use.
From CNN Cafe workers questioned over Iraq blast.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Dozens slain as car bomb hits Iraqi bus station
At least 56 killed in Shiite holy city; children, foreign pilgrims among dead.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush asks Congress to loosen surveillance rules
Administration wants broader power to monitor terror suspects on U.S. soil.
From CNN White House: Millions of e-mails may be missing.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Iran to seek bids for two atomic power plants
Atomic Energy Organization plans to build reactors in Bushehr.
Notes From the Front Porch. Remy Benoit
The front that is causing havoc in some areas went through here yesterday. This morning it is chilly, and quite windy, but beautiful with the spring greens shimmering in the wind.
As I sat on the front porch watching the loving attention that the mother cat is giving to her three kittens, the thought occurred to me of how vulnerable so many life forms are to the actions of humans.
We have made, continue to make, bombs and other weapons that quite literally eat the planet.
We neglect, and abuse, nature and the gifts she has given us.
We brutalize each other with war, with lack of communication, with ignorant hatred.
As I looked at the trees, at my roses, dancing in the wind, the Creator I see, the Creator by whatever name you choose, manifested something incredibly beautiful, abundant, and, indeed, so intricate.
Perhaps we need to back up; back away from the everyday and look around at the Creation.
Perhaps we need to look to the very heart and soul of our individual and collective dogmas and maybe there we will find that the brutality we espouse, the brutality we inflict on each other, on nature, is not at the core of our beliefs. Perhaps there is love there; perhaps we can recognize that we are not acting lovingly.
If, and if is an enormous word, but what if we had spent the energy and the money we have on all the wars since, well, maybe just 1914, on collective efforts to make life better for all, what would the world look like, what would the world be today?
That is a what if that is worth pondering. And what if we thought about changing the brutality to something better, today?
If each of us simply did one loving thing today, one thing that would foster understanding, foster compassion, consider the ripple effect...who knows where that might lead. Personally, I would like to see where that would lead if each of us did one simple thing a day to be better caretakers of the planet, and of each other.
Blessings,
Remy
21 % Increase in Troop Deaths. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Robert H. Reid at Truthout US Troop Deaths Up 21 Percent in Iraq.
From the AP at MSNBC At least 45 die in Baghdad sectarian bombings
Al-Sadr followers reportedly to quit Cabinet posts; U.S. announces 3 deaths.
From the AP at Military.com Troops Face Medical Treatment Obstacles.
Is Nothing Left Sacred?. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Shannon Mullen Soccer Fields Latest Threat to Thoreau's Woods. There is just something wrong with astroturf in Walden Woods!
Retired General Zinni on Climate Change. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Ret. General Zinni Climate Change Worries Military Advisers.
Retired General Zinni on Climate Change. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Ret. General Zinni Climate Change Worries Military Advisers.
From The Observer, UK, Alex Bellos, and The Guardian The long road to ruin for the Amazon forest.
He Said, No He Said.... Remy Benoit
From The Albuquerque Journal and Mike Gallagher Domenici Sought Iglesias Ouster.
From the AP and MSNBC Gonzales: 'I have nothing to hide' Attorney general insists firings not improper but claims little direct role.
From CNN Specter: Gonzales to face 'serious questions' on firings.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Remy Benoit
It so very much saddens me to see this horror being played out at Virginia Tech. I spent many happy hours there, many years ago, at Cadet Cotillions. The hallmarks of Virginia Tech are courtesy, Southern hospitality, and the finest education possible. Tech also has some of the best ice cream in the world.
We truly need to be more attentive to those around us who seem to be having psychological problems that could result in this aberrant behavior. This kind of thing on our high school and college campuses can simply not be tolerated.
My heart goes out to the families of those killed and injured today and to the terrible impact that this unparalleled event will have on the image of the University. Ironically, if I was sending my children off to a college, Virginia Tech would be a place where I would have had almost zero concern that this kind of thing would happen. Blacksburg is a lovely town, tied to the University in spirit. My condolences to the people of Blacksburg also.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsh and Eve Conant, and MSNBC Campus Massacre
The early morning calm was shattered by the sound of gunfire. By the time it stopped, at least 33 were dead. Inside the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
For Those of You in the UK with PTSD. Remy Benoit
At my request, the good folks at Sanctuary got Quest Publishing to make this book available from Amazon UK Dr. Ed Tick: War and the Soul.
For those of you with PTSD from whatever your war, you will find solace, understanding, compassion, and caring here in Dr. Tick's work. Please let me know when you read this book what your reactions are. It was originally recommended to me by a Veteran.
For those of you here in the States War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Blessings to you all, and thanks Ms. Paula and Ms. Emily for seeing to this.
And special thanks to Dr. Tick for his compassion for, devotion to, and understanding of the problems Veterans carry.
Miz' Remy
Yet Another Cause for War?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Military.com Military: Global Warming may Cause War.
Do you ever wonder why we tend to immediately think in terms of the bellicose rather than the cooperative? It is not too late to avert all these possible disasters, if we act now; act internationally, with reason, with compassion, and, indeed, with common sense. The "dramatic" fascinates us; the "horror show" holds intense fascination for us; the doing something about it before the real life "disaster movie" hits the screens takes work and commitment.
By the way, this is a warning that was not taken seriously enough - how different would things be today if this had been taken more seriously? From Le Monde, Guillaume Dasquié, and Truthout September 11, 2001: The French Knew Much About It. How different would the impact of Katrina have been if the Corps had said loud and clear 'these levees won't hold'? How different would the impact of Katrina have been if the monies had not been constantly cut from fixing the levees? We need to take warnings, take the obvious that we refuse to see, quite seriously.
It has been shown that corporations that "go green" are increasing profits - that should be an incentive to those for who the "bottom line" is the most important.
I have also found with working with those of you with PTSD that getting you outside, in the sun, working with nature has very positive healing effects. I just got a note about that this morning from a Vietnam Vet who move to outside things has tremendously improved his well being.
If you don't have answers yourself on how to be a part of preserving the planet, these organizations do:
National Resources Defense Council.
Union of Concerned Scientists.
Dr Alan Williams, MP UK: Global Warming Solutions.
The Sierra Club Foundation: Global Warming: A Problem with Solutions.
Stop Global Warming: Stop Global Warming Virtual March.
Climate Ark.
Do you remember the old adage - If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
We live as part of an extraordinary Creation - creativity is positive - destruction, indeed, war are negatives. Affirm life, become part of the solution. You are welcome to send the name of your favorite planet friendly group.
Traumatic Brain Injury. Remy Benoit
From The Denver Post, Erin Emery, and Veterans for Common Sense TBI: Hidden Wounds Plague Iraq War Veterans.
Wounded Warrior Program./p>
Lee Iacocca on President Bush. Remy Benoit
From The Detroit News, Gordon Trowbridge, and Truthout Iacocca Bashes Bush in New Book.
Ancient Child Bones, Perhaps Sacrificed, Found. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Mark Stevenson at MSNBC Ancient child sacrifices found in Mexico
Remains of two dozen apparent victims date back 1,000 years.
In today's world we find the idea of child sacrifice abhorrent. Even though we do not really understand weather, the coming of rain, the coming of killer hurricanes, we would probably not sacrifice a child, or children, to appease a god of rain.
There was some outrage at the conditions at Walter Reed, etc., but I am not hearing the public voice today concerning the dying, the injuries, the soul pieces flying off of our Veterans. They are us; they are not separate from us. We don't seem to understand that, or to listen to those combat "elders" from whom we might learn much. We might even learn to not engage in war unless we are absolutely positive there is a reason for it.
Yet we do work harder for war, much, much harder than we do for peace and we are willing, constantly, to sacrifice the lives of our young to the insatiable gods of war.
We find it terrible, in the truest sense of the word, that ancient Aztecs ripped out the living hearts of victims, and yet we constantly refuse to see our combat soldiers come back from the battlefield with their bodies, their hearts, their souls shred to pieces.
From the AP and MSNBC Four blasts rock Baghdad, killing at least 66 U.S. troops arrest militants in raid; large store of nitric acid discovered.
From Amnesty International at Truthout Iraq: New Humanitarian Crisis Looms as More Than Three Million Iraqis Displaced by War.
From CNN Iran warns would-be attackers. This is a stance of a nation feeling pushed. Their president goes over the line, constantly. And we refrain from direct, sit down at the table, negotiations. War is easier. But not really; just ask any Veteran.
When we get tired of a war, when we want to bring the troops, what message do we give them about the meaning of the fight we have engaged them in? What meaning are they left with? We want to bring them home to save their lives; that the war was wrong to begin with? What do leave them to fight for? It is no wonder when they do come home they have deep trouble knowing who we are; what their country is; what their sacrifice has been for.
No, we must engage in war too recklessly.
We must communicate with our "elders" who know what war really is.
We must show our Veterans respect.
And we, as a People, must decide who we are, and act on that. We can start by demanding decent care for our Veterans, and then we can think about ways to prevent the wanton making of more.
Raising the Postal Rates; Drowning Small Magazines. Remy Benoit
We need information, truly a constant stream of it, to be able to be informed citizens. Information from a vast variety of sources is necessary for that. The smaller magazines will bear the weight of postal increases that go into effect in July.
By the way, the "Forever Stamp" that is coming is not a forever price - it just means that when rates again increase you can use them up without the bothersome 2-3 cent stamps to make up the new rate.
From Robert W. McChesney at Common Dreams Post Office to the First Amendment: Drop Dead.
And while we are here, I would really like to know why first class mail takes 5-6 days to be delivered. Any one know the answer to that?
What YOU Need to DO - TODAY. Remy Benoit
Years ago, as I walking down the street, a elderly neighbor lady rushed out of her front yard and threw her arms around me, crying, “My baby’s gone, my baby’s gone.” This woman’s daughter, I learned that day, was 50 something and had passed on from cancer.
All the years since, her words have echoed in my ears: “My baby’s gone….”
In a conversation the other day with a thirty something mother of two little girls, the comment was made that she never knew until she was a mother that you could feel the kind of fear that you do for your children’s safety.
When we send our young off to war we wait; praying constantly, that the sedan does not pull up to the curb, that there is no knock on the door by uniformed soldiers who carry the message no one wants to hear.
When our soldiers come home feeling pride in what they have accomplished; when they want to go back to do more, we tend to think that they will be all right.
That is not necessarily true.
PTSD often haunts their days as well as it fills their nights with nightmares. They need help. Often the waiting lists at the VA mean that they will have to wait, and wait, and wait for help.
Sometimes that wait is too long for the weight they carry.
The value codes they took into boot camp were replaced with a different code; the situations they faced in combat were well beyond their previous experience. These experiences often result in serious psychological, mental, and spiritual conflicts that need to be worked out with professional help. Too often that help is not there.
Whether or not our soldiers get the help they need depends on you. Yellow ribbons on your cars won’t do it; you need to Contact Congress.; you need to Contact the White House. and demand, loud and clear, that we keep the Covenant – You were there for us, we will be there for you.
There is absolutely no acceptable reason that our Veterans do not get the care they need.
Do not accept any excuse.
How many mothers more will have to cry at night, “My baby’s gone....” from suicides caused by untreated PTSD?
Would you want to face even one and explain why you were too busy to send an e-mail, make a phone call? I don’t think so.
Please, please, PTSD is real and it is rampant in the troops coming home, just as it is still there in our troops who served in other wars. They are/were there for you 24/7.
Send the e-mail; make the phone call – demand that we take care of them.
If you feel your one phone call or e-mail won’t make a difference, please visit this Memorial Site to Jason Edward Cooper ( 1982-2005 - Army Reserve 308th Quartermaster of Washington, IA ) and read his mom, Terri Jones’, letter.
Memory of Jason Edward Cooper.
Then make the call, send the e-mail; and keep doing that until Congress gets it right.
There is no excuse to have even one more mother cry, “My baby’s gone…” because of PTSD.
If you do not understand what PTSD does to a soldier, then you must as a fellow human being, and as a fellow American, find out. The place to do that is Dr. Edward Tick: War and the Soul. Do visit with Sanctuary: Mentoring the Soul.
And make those calls; send those e-mails. Please do it today.
Leonard Earl Johnson: Violence in New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Leonard is a New Orleans treasure - filled with compassion - filled with pride in our beloved Crescent City - sharing his words, his perspective, his pain, and his heart.
Join Leonard Earl Johnson at Violence in New Orleans.
This man knows of what he speaks - listen to him.
Falklands War 25th Anniversary. Remy Benoit
Honor those who fought. Honour the Falklands Few.
And do join my good mate, Tony McNally, a Falklands Veteran who has dedicated his life to proper, respectful, and compassion treatment of Veterans.
As it is here, so it is in the UK. Tony McNally writes here about being turned down for health insurance because of his PTSD Norwich Union wont insure me because I have PTSD.
Please, Mr. Gonzales - RESIGN. Remy Benoit
From CNN White House insiders: Gonzales hurt himself before panel.
Patience is Not Unlimited. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. patience is limited, Gates tells Iraqis
Defense chief prods warring factions to set aside differences, work together.
The American peoples' patience with their leaders and Congress in not unlimited either. Our people, the Iraqi people, are dying and suffering terrible injuries everyday, while the infrastructure of their country lies in ruins. Terrorists are being bred like fire ants after a Louisiana rain. It is time for Congress to act - that is why they were elected, or was that message somehow "lost" too?
From the AP, Anne Flaherty at Truthout Reid: US Can't Win the War in Iraq.
From Jamie Holly of Crooks and Liars at Truthout Pelosi: "The President Is Not King".
By makingpeace Austin American-Statesman Blogs at Truthout Camp Casey Peace Awards on 6th Street.
Soldiers/PTSD/Discharges/Deployments. Remy Benoit
From Kelly Kennedy and Army Times at Veterans for Common Sense Why Were Soldiers With PTSD Discharged?.
Earth Day Weekend. Remy Benoit
From the Christian Science Monitor and Bill McKibben Finally, an Earth Day with promise For many years, it was a hollow joke. But this year, we're on the cusp of real progress.
Reading the comments in the above article is a fascinating experience. There are those who know that we can do better for the living organism that supports our lives; there are those in total denial; there is one person involved in some vast 'conspiracy theory' wonderland.
Let's look at this rationally - if your roof was leaking, you would fix it. If your pickup truck wasn't moving, you would take it to a mechanic. If you had a rotting tooth causing you pain, you would have it removed before the infection spread and you were left toothless.
And yet, we seem to have a very difficult time accepting the fact that our actions, inactions, impact on the planet.
Why is that?
Is it because we want it to function the way we do? That we wish to impose our will on it and expect it to just accept that, with no negative outcome? Are we still in the Baconian frame of mind that we can "torture" out of nature what we want? Do we expect do reaction from the planet for that?
In this essay, the author notes how many treat a 'house in the country.' He is right - this is what is done in many, many instances. Join P.M. Rodriguez at the Ruricolist for A House in the Country.
The Earth Policy Institute and Lester R. Brown have some ideas on how we can move to care for the planet, change our mindsets. Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble.
From Vanity Fair and Frederick Turner Eco-Justice
The Supreme Court sided with environmentalists in two recent cases. Was this a preview of more good legal news to come?.
From John and Teresa Heinz Kerry This Moment On Earth. All proceeds to environmental causes.
We act, consistently, using up resources without looking back at what we have left in our wake.
It is the same thing that we do with our Veterans - send the soldiers to war and then not look back at what is left of shattered lives, hearts, souls, and minds. We are as careless with them as we are with the planet.
Join Larry Winters, a Marine who served in the green, learned, up close and personal, what neglect, misuse, and ignorance of what war does to those who fight it feels like. The Making and Un-making of a Marine. Please, click on the section that says "Poetry" and listen to the pain in its heartbeat.
Just as we are complicit in the pain of the planet, we are complicit in the pain of our Veterans.
We need to choose healing for both.
From Kelley Kennedy and Army Times at Truthout Soldier Says He Was Deployed With Head Injury.
Thank you, Senator Testor Tester introduces Rural Veterans Healthcare Improvement Act of 2007 Bipartisan bill improves access to health care for Montana vets.
earthdaynetwork.
/from Military.com Legislation to Help Vets with Burn Injuries.
We're melting...... Remy Benoit
From The Irascible Professor, Dr. Mark Shapiro, an Earth Day wake up call.
Commentary of the Day - April 22, 2007: Sometimes a Picture Really is Worth a Thousand Words.
WAKE UP!!
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at Military.com Costs of Prolonged War.
From the AP and MSNBC Iraqis protest U.S.-built walls in Baghdad
Attacks around the country leave 28 dead, scores wounded.
From the AP and Military.com Construction on Baghdad Barrier Halted. Video
From The Wshington Post, Elizabeth Williamson at MSNBC FDA aware of dangers to food Outbreaks were not preventable, officials say. More pet foods have been added to the list, so please check your favorite brands for your buddies' safety.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Margaret Carlson Hand Gonzales, Wolfowitz pink slips.
From John Nichols at The Nation GOP to Gonzales: Care For Some Hemlock?.
From Robert Naiman at Common Dreams What Price for an “Advisory” Timetable? Bar an Unauthorized Attack on Iran.
From the Brattleboro Reformer, Vermont Leading by example.
From Walter Pincus, Washington Post at Truthout Congress Skeptical of Warhead Plan.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News, at Truthout Gonzales & the "Mayberry Machiavellis".
Hard Work - Pulitizers - War - Labor - Outsourcing. Remy Benoit
From Media Bistro and Maya Avrasin Pulitzers Recognize 'Stubborn Reporting'.
From Boston.com 2007 Pulitzer Prize: Charlie Savage, National Reporting
Stories awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The Balance of Power is fundamental to our way of life - we need to protect that. Thanks for your efforts on our behalf, Charlie!
From Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation The Progressive Gap. It is obvious that if we want Congress to stand up, we have to stand up and demand that they do. Iraq and Environmental issues are top priorities - soldiers, Iraqis, and the planet are dying. What does it take to make us stand up?
From Juan Cole at The Nation How to Get Out of Iraq.
From Public Affairs Books, Richard C. Leone and Greg Anrig, JR. LIBERTY UNDER ATTACK: Reclaiming Our Freedoms in an Age of Terror.
Unionism has a vast, painful, history in this country. Let us not forget the sacrifice of those who fought so hard for labor legislation. Let us stop outsourcing our nation's infrastructure. Employee Free Choice Act.
Let's take a walk Down History Lane, and remember Railroad Strike of 1877.
Triangle Factory Fire: 1911.
The Homestead and Pullman Strikes.
From Info Please The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment.
From the Daytona Beach News Journal and Audrey Parente Update: Soldier health scare back in news.
From the Populist Party of America and Lonnie D. Story Radiation "All the Tragedy".
Turn on your sound and visit with the American Labor Studies Center Labor Songs. Click on "Union Label" and honor those who fought so hard for it. I have my Granny's old Union Card in an honored place.
Come on, America - if you don't know your history, how can you possibly protect your future? You don't even have to go to the library anymore - the information is just a click away. Be a Patriot - defend our country and those who built it for you, protected it for you, at such a heavy, heavy cost!
Breaking News - 9 U.S. Soldiers Killed; 20 Wounded. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Suicide blast kills 9 U.S. soldiers
Attack in Diyala province comes same day 5 other explosions kill 46.
How many more?
From the AP and CNN Reid: Congress will pass Iraq withdrawal bill.
From CNN Iraqis protest as Baghdad neighborhood walled off.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush renews backing for Gonzales
President calls embattled attorney general an 'honest, honorable man'. An honorable man would not be in this position.
From Laurie David and Sheryl Crow at Huffington Post Karl Rove Gets Thrown Under the Stop Global Warming Bus.
From The Washington Post, Mary Ann Akers ( The Sleuth) Articles of Impeachment To Be Filed On Cheney.
Bill Moyers: Buying the War. Remy Benoit
Bill Moyers returns to PBS on Wednesday, April 25 with Buying the War.
From Yahoo News, the AP, and Hope Yen Pentagon may be shorting troop benefits.
And some commentary at Truthout by Garett Reppenhagen, Michael T. McPhearson and Kevin Martin Support the Troops by Bringing Them Home.
From the LA Times, Tom Hamburger, and Truthout Low-Key Office Launches High-Profile Inquiry.
Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs . Remy Benoit
...a hearing on the mental health issues faced by returning combat veterans, Wednesday at 2PM ET - IAVA Legislative Director Patrick Campbell on recent efforts by the VA to address these issues, and about his own experiences in Iraq.
Also, Ellen and Randy Omvig, whose son Joshua committed suicide just a few months after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq, will be speaking on the panel with him. Joshua Omvig Memorial - The War Against PTSD Starts Now!
Hearing on Mental Health Issues.
Be there for them - do it now!! Tune in - speak out - demand proper treatment for our Veterans.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Iraqi politicians say government is failing.
From the LA Times and George McGovern George McGovern: Cheney is wrong about me, wrong about war.
From The Denver Post and Joanne Ostrow Don't miss this show - Bill Moyers' "Buying the War" exposes the media's failure to do their job.
From the AP, Tom Raum, and Yahoo News Air Force pinched by Iraq ground war.
A Passing: David Halberstam. Remy Benoit
I have always highly respected the work of David Halberstam and am saddened at his passing. For those of you who do not know his work, may I suggest
The Best and the Brightest.
From David Halberstam at Common Dreams A Letter To My Daughter First Printed in Parade Magazine - May 2, 1982.
FEMA Mismanagement. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Hope Yen, and the Times Record News Probe: Katrina contracts given to companies with poor credit histories, bad paperwork.
Bill Moyers: . Remy Benoit
From Tom Paine, Bill Moyers On Journalism And Democracy.
Keith Olbermann: The Politics of Fear. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Countdown, and Keith Olbermann Republicans equal life; Democrats equal death?
Olbermann: Rudy Giuliani exploiting fear for power and personal gain.
Reality Checks. Remy Benoit
What this administration doesn't seem to get is that they, like all the rest of us, live under a Constitution that has a specific framework - ah, like the Balance of Power.
Seems Ms. Rice will not accept the subpoena. From the AP and MSNBC Rice signals rejection of House subpoena
Says she's already answered questions; hints at use of executive privilege.
From the AP and Military.com House OKs Iraq Withdrawal Bill. The President says he will veto this bill - the people, by majority, say, end this war. The Mission was not, nor will it be, accomplished by military means - diplomacy - far reaching - level headed - reality based - is needed.
From American Forces Press Service, Fred W. Baker III and Military.com Warrior Transition Brigade Activated.
From the AP and Military.com Army's Vet Care Problems Widespread. It is wrong, just wrong, to make Veterans and not properly care for them - no "I'm sorries" mean anything, for them any more than it does for the Gulf Coast.
From Joe Galloway at Military.com Bush's Strategy Demands the Draft.
From CNN U.S. prison chief in Iraq charged with 'aiding enemy'.
From Robert Scheer at Truthdig through Common Dreams Bush Blames The Troops.
Paul Wolfowitz, one of the architects of the Iraq War, is now being told he should step down. From Reuters and Jeff Mason at Truthout. EU Lawmakers Call for Wolfowitz to Step Down.
From Deniz Yeter at Truthout Four Million Displaced as Civil War Deepens Iraqi Refugee Crisis.
The answers to the why of all this are slowly surfacing. Perhaps this is yet another piece of the puzzle...From The Free Press, Bob Fitrakis and Harvey Wasserman at Truthout Are Rove's Missing Emails the Smoking Guns of the Stolen 2004 Election?.
From PBS and Bill Moyers' Journal Buying the War.
From Move On Emergency Veto Rally.
It is time to move away from partisan politics - the members of the House and the Senate need to be Americans first, politicos second.
From John Murtha at Truthout Chairman Murtha to Bush: Sign the Iraq Accountability Act.
From US Today, Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence Kucinich says it's more 'practical' to impeach Cheney than Bush.
The first debate is tonight - if you do not hear valid answers, programs, solutions, demand them. Death walks with heavy crushing feet in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in many other places - while the will of the American people is being ignored. If you will not stand up now, when will you? Our Veterans need care; this war needs an end; Iraq/Afghanistan need resolution; the planet needs care. Darfur needs care - many other places, including here, need care. Enough posturing - enough empty words and procrastination.
Elections should not be personality campaigns - we need resolution of all of the above and...poverty, health care...education...rebuilding the Gulf Coast...and gee, dare I mention FEMA? When will you say enough - make these things work right and do it now?
Who is Mike Gravel?. Remy Benoit
The first round of debates is over.
You may be wondering who Mike Gravel. is. Well, here is his background.
We need a new direction - we need direct answers to direct questions. Demand it. This is your country, not the country of those who are not listening to you when you vote them in.
Take a stand.
No "serious debate". Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Tenet: No 'serious debate' on Iraq war
Ex-CIA chief says Cheney, others pushed to invade.
From CNN Senate passes Iraq withdrawal bill; veto threat looms.
From Consortium News and Robert Parry at Truthout Dying for W.
From David Sirota at Working for Change When Journalism Became Transcription and Reporting Disappeared.
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Nancy A Youssef U.S. officials exclude car bombs in touting drop in Iraq violence.
From Truthdig and Joe Conason Putting Our Worst Foot Forward.
From Scott Ritter at Truthdig Mr. Bush, Tear Down These Walls!.
From Paul Rieckhoff at Military.com A Hero's Story at Tribeca.
From The Progressive and Michael Rothschild Kudos to Kucinich, But There’s More to Impeach Cheney For.
From Joshua Holland at AlterNet Kucinich Files Articles of Impeachment Against Cheney.
Remembering David Halberstam. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at Tom Paine Remembering David Halberstam.
Lt. Col. Paul Yingling Accuses Generals of Vietnam/Iraq Failures. Remy Benoit
From Armed Forces Journal A failure in generalship.
Somethings to Think About. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, John Solomon and Spencer S. Hsu, and MSNBC U.S. didn’t accept most foreign Katrina aid
Some donations spoiled, while millions still haven’t been collected or spent.
From The Washington Post, Craig Whitlock, and MSNBC 82 inmates cleared but still held at Guantanamo
U.S. cites difficulty deporting detainees.
From the AP and CNN Top general: U.S. needs a bigger Army faster.
Is there a pattern here? Non-planning? Incompetence?
The pattern continues.
From the AP and Military.com Armored Vehicles for Iraq Delayed.
From Retired Lt. General William Odom at Common Dreams Bush Has Gone AWOL.
From the AP, Kim Gamel, and My Way
9 U.S. Troops Die in Iraq Battle, Blasts.
How many more before Congress takes a real stand?
Why didn't Tenet just resign?. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Why Didn't George Tenet Just Resign?.
From Maureen Dowd, the New York Times, at Truthout More Like an Air Ball.
From Ray McCovern at Truthout Poor George Tenet; He Still Doesn't Get It. But then, neither do others, like Powell.
From the AP and MSNBC U.S. military April death toll in Iraq passes 100
Five new reported deaths make this month the bloodiest so far of 2007.
From the AP, Robert Weller, The Rocky Mountain News at Veterans for Common Sense Fort Carson to Test Equipment to Gauge Brain Injuries. Do take notice, longer deployments, more PTSD.
From CNN Report: U.S. investment in Iraqi reconstruction at risk.
From Thomas D. Williams at Truthout Pentagon Contractors Owe $7.7 Billion in Unpaid Taxes.
From Christian Lowe at Military.com Senator Tells Army to Reconsider M4. and Army Won't Field Rifle Deemed Superior to M4.
From Joe Galloway at Military.com A Speaker of Truth to Power.
From Frank Rich, the New York Times, at Common Dreams. All the President’s Press.
From George McGovern at the LA Times George McGovern: Cheney is wrong about me, wrong about war.
From Warren P. Strobel and Jonathan S. Landay, the McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout Terror Attacks Up Nearly 30 Percent, Report Says.
From You Tube Dennis Kucinich issues impeachment papers on Dick Cheney.
Mental Health Help. Remy Benoit
Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn - Falklands War. Remy Benoit
From the Daily Mail in the UK the tale of the day the Rapier system didn't work - and many men died.
This is a tale that Tony McNally relives each and every day.
The missile failure that makes Tony McNally's life a living hell.
Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn.
Reports Say al-Masri Dead. Remy Benoit
On the 4th Anniversary of "Mission Accomplished" - when April KIA figures spill over 100 - From CNN Bush reiterates vow to veto war funding bill.
From the MSNBC Message Board What are your thoughts about the Iraq war?
From The Bangor Daily News, Maine and Phil Worden Phil Worden Has Bush committed impeachable acts?.
From Tom Dispatch and Jeremy Scahill Who Will Stop the U.S. Shadow Army in Iraq? Don't Look to the Congressional Democrats. Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army.
From the AP at Truthout and Qassim Abdul-Zahra
Iran to Join US at Conference on Iraq.
From the Boston Globe, Charles M. Sennott, at Veterans for Common Sense For Veterans in Rural Areas, Care Hard to Reach.
Bush Will Veto Bill. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Bush set to veto Iraq bill, address nation
President warns that withdrawing troops could send Iraq into ‘chaos’.
Bush Defies Congress. Remy Benoit
Note the Jefferson Memorial behind him - what would Mr. Jefferson have done in this situation>
How we treat soldiers and veterans. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Summit Daily News, and Veterans for Common Sense Soldier Says He Suffered Brain Damage During Fort Bragg Training Before Deployment.
From the Congressional Quarterly, Patrick Yoest, and Veterans for Common Sense VCS in CQ Magazine: Wounded Veterans, Broken VA System.
From Bobby Muller and Veterans for America President's Visit to Walter Reed: Statement of Veterans for America.
From Paul Campos at Rocky Mountain News Campos: Bush's farewell tantrum.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout A Veto Inked in Blood.
From Tom Englehart, Tom Dispatch, at Truthout Bush's Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
From Amy Branham at Truthout Are You Kidding Me?.
From the AP, Daniel Yee at Army Times Objector to launch job training for soldiers.
How we treat soldiers and veterans. Remy Benoit
From the AP, Summit Daily News, and Veterans for Common Sense Soldier Says He Suffered Brain Damage During Fort Bragg Training Before Deployment.
From the Congressional Quarterly, Patrick Yoest, and Veterans for Common Sense VCS in CQ Magazine: Wounded Veterans, Broken VA System.
From Bobby Muller and Veterans for America President's Visit to Walter Reed: Statement of Veterans for America.
From Paul Campos at Rocky Mountain News Campos: Bush's farewell tantrum.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout A Veto Inked in Blood.
From Tom Englehart, Tom Dispatch, at Truthout Bush's Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
From Amy Branham at Truthout Are You Kidding Me?.
From the AP, Daniel Yee at Army Times Objector to launch job training for soldiers.
Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan is Here!. Remy Benoit
Next Move?. Remy Benoit
From Senator Russ Feingold at The Huffington Post After the Veto.
From Tom Philpot at Military.com Military Gets Big Pay Raise.
From the AP and Military.com Soldiers Face Punishment Over Blogs.
Ah, what is WRONG with this one? If you can get a Freedom Medal for manipulating intelligence, does it mean you can get a bonus for not properly caring for our Veterans? Is that the logic?
Senior VA Officials Get Big Bonuses.
Contacting Congress. How about letting Congress know how you feel about those bonuses?
For more on Veteran Issues visit with Veterans for America.
And do visit with Larry Winters The Making and Un-making of a Marine. While you are there, please click on Poetry in the left column. I know many of Larry's words will speak to many of you.
From the New York Times - An Editorial at Truthout Spying on Americans.
Senators Byrd and Clinton Call for End of Use of Force Resolution. Remy Benoit
From the Senate: Hillary Statement on Deauthorizing the War.
Long Tours More Mental Stress. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Deployments strain troop mental health
Pentagon panel warns overburdened system could fail to meet needs. And this is a surprise to whom?
Military Sexual Assault. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC and Dawn Fratangelo Military sexual trauma — the new face of PTSD
Military sexual assaults — and requests for help — are on the rise.
U.S. Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.
From The Washington Post, Thomas E. Ricks and Ann Scott Tyson at Truthout Troops at Odds With Ethics Standards.
Seems we have some serious problems here to deal with. War is ugly - and very difficult when the "enemy" is hard to define; when the leadership gives its okay to torture. We need to do some serious soul searching here.
M4 Dispute. Remy Benoit
From Christian Lowe at Military.com Senator Tells Army to Reconsider M4.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karin Brulliard, and MSNBC For Iraqi soldiers, a medical morass
Lack of facilities leaves wounded to seek own care.
From CNN Car bomb kills 20 in Baghdad commercial district.
From the AP and CNN Bush digs in heels as Democrats vow to limit Iraq war.
From the AP and Military.com Deployed Troops Battle for Custody.
From Paul Rieckhoff at Military.com Rewarding Incompetence.
From CNN U.S., Iraqi forces find Sadr City torture chamber.
Please step down, Secretary Nicholson. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze from Army Times at Veterans for Common Sense -
Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., an Army Reserve veteran says
Lawmaker to VA Secretary - Step Down Now.
Sentiments grow negative. Remy Benoit
With heavy tolls this weekend in Iraq and Afghanistan, public sentiment continues to become more negative towards the American troops.
From Newsweek, Sami Yousafzai and Ron Moreau at MSNBC Collateral Disasters In Afghanistan's lopsided ethos, every civilian death counts against the Americans.
From the AP, Robert H. Reid, at Truthout Bombs Kill Eight American Soldiers in Iraq. At least 95 Iraqis dead.
From The Los Angeles Times, an Editorial at Truthout BRING THEM HOME.
From The Independent, UK, Leo Docherty at Common Dreams We Soldiers Once Assumed Our Political Bosses Would Not Lie to Us. That is Over.
We realized the actual issue was about long-term access to oil.
From The Independent, UK, Michael Mansfield at Common Dreams The Emperor has No Clothes: The World is Returning to the Law of the Jungle, Thanks to Bush and Blair.
From the AP at Military.com 'War Czar' Search Continues.
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Benchmarks: Yet Another Bush Mirage Shimmering in the Iraqi Desert?
Ron Kovic on Iraq and Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
Ron Kovic is a man who has been there - he knows war; he knows catastrophic injury; he knows the price of working for peace.
Join Ron for this special message.
Ron Kovic on Iraq and Veteran Care.
Blessings Ron and thank you for your service and for your caring.
A Modest Proposal - Wolfowitz - and More. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and CNN World Bank: Wolfowitz broke rules.
From The Baltimore Sun and Melvin A. Goodman Tenet's defense of the indefensible.
From Larry Beinhart at Common Dreams A Modest Proposal.
From The Nation and Tom Englehart The Mother of All Benchmarks in Iraq: Oil.
From The New York Times an Editorial at Truthout The Soft Bigotry of Iraq.
From the AP at Military.com Air Force Fleet Wearing Down.
From the AP at Military.com Iraq War Hinders Kansas Rescue Effort.
From Move On a Video Video Vets - Sgt. John Bruhns - Bring Our Troops Home.
A Look Back: Born on the 4th of July. Remy Benoit
From You Tube Born on the 4th of July.
If you do not know this book, it is time you do. Born on the 4th of July.
And here, again, is a personal message from a man who knows. Video Vets: An Interview with Ron Kovic.
Video Vets: Stop the Escalation.
ROBERT LORIA: Iraq War Vet/Amputee Opposes Surge.
No one, with any kind of military knowledge, starts a war without an exit plan. Congress must keep sending the bill back - each time making more specific demands.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from PTSD, there is help here from Dr. Ed Tick. Mentor the Soul.
I cannot recommend his book, War and the Soul. highly enough. It will help understand what is being felt. That is a first step to healing.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Weekly Update: 60,000 U.S. Casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
From Reuters, The New Zealand Herald, Aseel Kami and Dean Yates US warns of heavier casualties in Iraq.
Breaking News on Action Concerning Global Warming. Remy Benoit
From Environmental Defense Business Coalition for Climate Action Doubles
General Motors joins USCAP's call for aggressive pollution cuts.
From Stop Global Warming.org There is no more important cause than the call to action to save our planet.
From The EPA Climate Change.
From Climate Hot Mao.org Global Warming: Early Warning Signs.
From Environmental Defense Global Warming.
A Justice Department Unbalanced?. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann at Truthout Where Does the Politicization of Justice End?
Most Americans Opposed to Veto. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Bill Schneider Poll: Most back Congress over Bush in war funding fight.
So, Congress, let's get to it - Bring it on!
If Congress Voted According to Constituent Wishes..... Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at The Huffington Post If Congress Voted on Public Opinion, We'd Have a Veto-Proof Withdrawal Plan.
From The Nation, An Editorial Showdown on the War.
From Terry Howell at Military.com Lawmakers Urge GI Bill Extension.
From Sara Horn at Military.com Us and Them.
From Reuters at MSNBC VP Cheney in Baghdad; bomb in Irbil kills 12
Vice president seeks to encourage reconciliation during surprise visit. Mr. Cheney in a war zone.
From the AP at MSNBC Airstrike reportedly kills 21 Afghan civilians
Governor says Taliban hid in villagers homes; coalition soldier also killed.
No signing statements..... Remy Benoit
From The Hill, Jonathan E. Kaplan and Elana Schor Pelosi threat to sue Bush over Iraq bill.
"Mr. President, you did not listen". Remy Benoit
From Vote Vets and Major General John Batiste at Truthout Mr. President, you did not listen.
From the AP and MSNBC Blast reinforces Cheney’s caution in Iraq
‘Long way to go,’ VP says during trip that includes thunderous explosion.
From the AP, Jim Kuhnhenn and Army Times Retired generals on TV to criticize Iraq war.
From General Wes Clark Clark Casts.
The ride is over. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman at MSNBC Bush told war is harming the GOP
A warning on the eve of vote on new Iraq spending bill.
From the Boston Globe and James Carroll at Common Dreams The Disappearance of War-Broken Soldiers.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and Mark Morford at Common Dreams - and this one should get the discussions going - The Hippies Were Right! Green homes? Organic food? Nature is good? Time To Give The Ol’ Tie-Dyers Some Respect.
From AlterNet, Raed Jarrar and Joshua Holland at Truthout Majority of Iraqi Lawmakers Now Reject Occupation.
Funding restrictions. Remy Benoit
From CNN House passes new war funding measure.
General Batiste, Ret. Mr. President, you did not listen.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers and Joe Galloway Bush determined to prolong lost war.
From the Cumberland News Times at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial - VA Bonuses - Upper Ranks Richly Rewarded For Job Poorly Done.
From The Globe and Mail, John Ibbitson at Veterans for Common Sense Campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan now more expensive than Vietnam, or any other conflict except Second World War.
Five More, 3 Missing. Remy Benoit
From CNN 3 U.S. soldiers missing, 5 killed in Iraq.
From Foreign Policy in Focus and Zia Mian Congress Plays Politics over Iraq War.
From the AP and CNN Bush commencement address draws war protests.
And shame on CBS!! From Kieth Olbermann and MSNBC Olbermann: General Batiste Asked to Leave CBS Over Ad. If the major media was doing its job, the Generals would not have to do it for them!
Perhaps it is time for Mr. Smith to go to Washington?
Where are our statesmen? Lee Iaccoca is asking that same question. Where Have All the Leaders Gone?.
From James Glanz, the New York Times at the Houston Chronicle Billions in oil missing in Iraq, U.S. study shows
The discrepancy may be as much as $15 million a day, according to GAO.
If you are not upset yet, well, this should do it!
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout Two Hearings, One Reality.
Jeremy Scahill: Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army.
From Douglas Waller at AARP Vetting the VA.
Scott Ritter: The Good American. Remy Benoit
At Truth Dig, Scott Ritter: The Good American. There are some interesting viewpoints in the comment's on Mr. Ritter's article.
Also, from Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Outsourcing the War. Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army.
From New America Media, Peter Dale Scott and Pacific News Service Homeland Security Contracts for Vast New Detention Camps.
From Bill Moyers at Common Dreams “I’m Harry.”.
From The Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul David Sarasohn: As in Vietnam, casualties rise in Iraq while U.S. dithers.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a lock out at the school where I was teaching; no contract, no negotiations going on. The local judge ordered the school people and the board members locked in the courthouse until agreement was reached. Might not be such a bad idea for the current situation; no vacations, no home time, 3no hunting, no wood chopping, no nothing until this is ended.
And a thought, off topic, but vital from The New York Times and Bob Hebert at Truthout The Millions Left Out.
I was reading the intro to Senator Mike Gravel's Citizen Power: A People's Platform. from '72. What a breath of fresh air! And it could have been written today. Thanks to him for asking some real questions at the debate. Maybe some real attention should be paid to this man. Gravel 2008.
Finally, Happy Mother's Day to all. While we celebrate Mother's Day, let us think about the dreams moms have for their children. Are we working toward those dreams, or toward heartbreak?
This man, Manuel Valenzuela, thinks the latter. Your views on this position would be interesting. The Army of Good Americans.
Who speaks for us?. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times and Thom Shanker at Truthout Army Career Behind Him, General Speaks Out on Iraq.
From Vote Vets General Batiste for Vote Vets: Protect America, Not George Bush.
From You Tube Keith Olbermann: Countdown, CBS fires Anti-War General. Again, if the major media was doing its job, the Generals would not have to.
From The Boston Globe and Bryan Bender at Veterans for Common Sense Pentagon Restricting Testimony in Congress.
From You Tube, General Paul D. Eaton (Ret) Major General Paul D. Eaton's testimony before the DPC.
From Vote Vets General Eaton's Letter to President Bush on Veto
May 1, 2007.
From The Seattle Post Intelligencer and Helen Thomas at Truthout Bush Passes The Buck On Iraq.
From The Chicago Tribune and Kirsten Scharnberg at Truthout Governors Say War Has Gutted Guard.
Monday Morning. Remy Benoit
Don't forget, the postal rates go up today.
From The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Susan Lenfestey at Common Dreams A Mother's Day Plea.
From the AP and CNN Military puts MySpace, other sites off limits.
From the AP and CNN Iran warns U.S. over strike threat.
From Laura Flanders at The Nation The Hushing Season.
From Harvey Wasserman at Common Dreams How Creative Mass Non-Violence Beat a Nuke and Launched The Global Green Power Movement.
From John Terzano, Vice President, Veterans for America. Remy Benoit
Statement from John Terzano, Vice President, Veterans for America, Upon Introduction of the Lane Evans Mental Health and Benefits Improvement Act.
From Dan Frosch and Veterans for America Fighting the Terror of Battles That Rage in Soldiers’ Heads.
From The Denver Post, Jim Spencer, and Veterans for America Vets group stands tall for sick GIs.
From Army Times at Veterans for America Senators want answers on Army discharges.
Habeas Corpus. Remy Benoit
From Aziz Huq at Tom Paine Habeas Corpus Evaporating.
Senator Carl Levin at Truthout "The Common Theme Is Hypocrisy".
Continuing Levee Problems. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times, John Schwartz, at Truthout Critic Says Levee Repairs Show Signs of Flaws.
Bill Moyers: The Cost of War. Remy Benoit
Bill Moyers at Truthout The Cost of War.
Wolfowitz Rejects Rejection. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff at MSNBC Bloody Monday
In a blow to the Bush administration, the deputy attorney general and the only Democrat on the White House's Privacy and Civil Liberties Board have resigned.
From The Huffington Post and Arianna Huffington McCain and Bush: Making a Mockery of Democracy in Iraq.
To CBS - rehire General Batiste. Remy Benoit
CBS fired General Batiste for speaking his mind.
Why would we not want Generals who "have been there" to "tell it like it is?"
From Move On - Petition: CBS Must Re-Hire General Batiste.
War Czar. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Bush selects Pentagon official as ‘war czar’
Lt. Gen. Lute chosen to oversee Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts, officials say.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
With the new war Czar appointed, the death in Iraq continues. From the AP and Thomas Wagner at Yahoo News 41 Iraqis killed in new violence.
Also from the AP, Anne Flaherty and Yahoo News Senate GOP drafts proposal for Iraq bill.
From Christian Lowe at Military.com Laser System Targets Friendly Fire.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Cheney Sabotages Talks with Tehran.
From The Guardian, UK, and Alain Gresh at Common Dreams Bush doesn't want detente. He wants to attack Iran The US has swept aside repeated overtures from Tehran. Is it any wonder if the Islamic Republic now wants the bomb?
From Bob Burnett at Common Dreams Reconsidering Impeachment.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout Of Actions and Consequences, Torture and Troops.
And from Bob Hebert and the New York Times at Truthout More Than Just Talk.
A Message from General Wesley Clark. Remy Benoit
From Vote Vets: GENERAL WESLEY CLARK, AFGHANISTAN VETERAN BREEN, LAUNCH NEW AD.
Feingold-Reid Voted Down. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Senate rejects legislation to cut off war funds
Bid was expected to fail, but meant as test of gauge anti-war sentiment.
Once again the Senate is not listening to the people. This will be remembered.
U.S. / Iran to meet concerning Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S., Iran to meet in Baghdad on May 28.
From Katrina Vanden Huevel at The Nation The Iraq Memoir Industry.
From The San Francisco Chronicle and Mark Moford
Oh Right, We're Still At War
How horrifying is it when Bush's unwinnable disaster becomes so dreary and forgettable?.
From the AP and Laurie Kellman at Truthout Senators Renew Call for Gonzales' Ouster.
From the IAVA - Vets Need Help. Remy Benoit
IAVA Blog Addressing the Presidential Commission.
Senator Robert Byrd. Remy Benoit
Senator Byrd at The Huffington Post
Concluding the Terrible Mistake We Made in Iraq.
From MSNBC and Lisa Myers, Adam Ciralsky Are U.S. soldiers wearing the best body armor?
Critics say the standard-issue vest is vulnerable and there is an alternative.
From Newsweek, Michael Hirsch at MSNBC Messenger Man
Bush’s new war ‘czar’ is nominally the president’s man. But in reality, Doug Lute is fated to be powerless and can only preside over a worsening state of paralysis in Iraq.
Army Agrees to Do More for PTSD. Remy Benoit
From CBS at Veterans for America Army Agrees To Do More For PTSD.
Joe Galloway: Hang in there, America. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway and the McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout Hang In There, America: Competent Leadership Is Just 600-Plus Days Away.
Living in Minefields. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and Robert Evans at Truthout 400 Million People Live in "Minefields": Report.
Contractors in Iraq Under Increasing Attacks. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times, John M. Broder and James Risen at Truthout Death Toll for Contractors Reaches New High in Iraq.
From Veterans for Common Sense. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan Moyers, McGovern and Machiavelli.
A Mother with a Mission for Guardsmen. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Mother of slain soldier's on mission of her own
Mom of killed Maine Army National Guard wants better health screening.
Bill Moyers on the Value of Small Magazines. Remy Benoit
Bill Moyers at Common Dreams Small Magazines, Big Ideas.
Joshua Hersch on Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From Joshua Hersh and The New Republic at Veterans for Common Sense The Fixer - Our government doesn't take care of its veterans. Steve Robinson does.
The numbers just keep growing. Remy Benoit
Haven't we been here; haven't we done this before? Have we learned 'nuthin?
From the AP and Ravi Nessman at Truthout Seven US Soldiers Die in Iraq Attacks.
From the AP and MSNBC Pelosi: Bush has 'tin ear' on Iraq
Speaker says it's time for Bush to compromise with majority Democrats.
UK Vets Face Issues Head On!!. Remy Benoit
From the BBC The Battle of Trafalgar.
For more on this visit with Tony "Mack" McNally at Rogue-Gunner - Thoughts of a Falklands Island Veteran.
Carter v Bush. Remy Benoit
From Jon Nichols at The Nation Who's Afraid of Jimmy Carter? George Bush.
From Medea Benjamin at Common Dreams Have You Called Your Senator Today?.
From the AP at Truthout Searching Troops Face Mounting Problems.
An Editorial from The New York Times at Truthout Why This Scandal Matters.
New Guide to Military Benefits. Remy Benoit
From Military.com New Must-Have Benefits Guide.
Also from Military.com General Petraeus' Letter to the Iraqis.
From ABC, Jake Tapper at Common Dreams Gore Blasts Bush in ‘The Assault on Reason’.
Coalition Partners. Remy Benoit
From Tony McNally at Rogue - Gunner and Vanquish Magazine More Than Men Worth More Than Metals by Lisa Bishop.
I have just begun reading Mack's new book Watching Men Burn. I think this one will mean a lot many of the lads in the UK. Do check it out. Much more on this book soon!
For those of you here in the States, this press release will give you some hope. From Mentor the Soul.
Second "Surge" Wave. Remy Benoit
From The Hearst Newspapers and Stewart M. Powell at Truthout Second Iraq Troop Surge Starts.
Dems Backing Down?. Remy Benoit
The people spoke last November - why is it so hard for so few to hear?
From The Washington Post and Shailagh Murray at MSNBC Democrats relent on pullout timetable
Congressional leaders poised to present Bush with nonbinding benchmarks.
From the AP at Military.com Iraq Veterans Protest War in Germany.
From Gary Kamiya and Salon at Common Dreams Why Bush Hasn’t Been Impeached Congress, The Media and Most of The American People Have Yet To Turn Decisively Against Bush because To Do So Would Be To Turn Against Some Part of Themselves.
More U.S. Warships in Gulf. Remy Benoit
From Reuters and MSNBC Nine U.S. warships enter Gulf for training
The assembly off Iran’s coast is largest since the 2003 Iraq war.
What are we doing?
What is the Congress doing with this?
Where is the Congress?
From Robert L. Borosage at Tom Paine Funding Bush's War: This Is No Game.
From Reuters at Truthout Nine US Soldiers Killed in Five Iraq Attacks.
From CNN White House: Bin Laden wanted Iraq as a new base.
From ABC, Brian Ross and Richard Esposito at Truthout Bush Authorizes New Covert Action Against Iran.
From Democracy Now and George Monbiot "If We Don’t Deal with Climate Change We Condemn Hundreds of Millions of People to Death".
From Democracy Now, Amy Goodman, and Rick MacArthur A Subversion of American Democracy? White House & Democratic Leadership Agree on Secret Trade Deal.
Again, where is the Congress on all of this? Call your Reps; call your Senators and tell them "We the People" want to know what they are doing with what we have asked them to do.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and James Palmer
1 in 8 Iraqis dies before fifth birthday
In Baghdad's poorest area, hospital lacks basic supplies, staff.
From the United Health Foundation America's Health Rankings.
Again, where is Congress?
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann on Countdown at MSNBC The entire government has failed us on Iraq
For the president, and the majority leaders and candidates and rank-and-file Congressmen and Senators of either party—there is only blame for this shameful, and bi-partisan, betrayal.
From Deniz Yeter at Truthout Feingold: "Congress Should Have Stood Strong".
Charles Sheehan- Miles: What Does It Feel Like to Kill?. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for Common Sense and Charles Sheehan- Miles Editorial Colulmn: What Does It Feel Like to Kill?.
New "Battle of Trafalgar". Remy Benoit
From Tony "Mack" McNally at Rogue-Gunner How the UK Treats Its Veterans.
From John Edwards. Remy Benoit
Support the Troops: End the War.
From Russ Feingold, John Kerry et.al.. Remy Benoit
From John Kerry at the Daily Kos UPDATED2: Round One.
Also from David Sirota at Working for Change Vote Alert: Dick Cheney Dems Plan to Hide Votes On Iraq.
From Laura Flanders at Common Dreams Sacrifice The Troops Bill.
From Russ Feingold at Common Dreams In Opposition to the Iraq Supplemental Conference Report.
From Bill Moyers at Tom Paine A Great but Broken Promise.
Bill with no timetable.... Remy Benoit
The voters spoke, apparently to a deaf Congress. So, while they are on a Memorial Day break, more will die.
From the AP and MSNBC Congress reluctantly approves billions for war
Democrats, conceding to Bush, don't insist on troop withdrawal timetable.
John Murtha et.al.. Remy Benoit
If we have lost 418, not to mention injured, since the surge began, how many will we have lost by September?
From John Murtha at The Huffington Post To End the Iraq War -- September Will Be Key.
This is a huge, not acceptable position.
How many more by September with brain trauma; missing body parts; how many more in wheelchairs; divorced, with rampaging PTSD? How many more children without parents on both sides?
How can you say something is not working and continue it?
How many more Septembers until you listen to the people?
How will the VA handle more Veterans when they can't handle the ones they have?
Tom Curry at MSNBC Iraq bill puts House Democrats on the spotWar funding vote could draw primary challengers and GOP attack ads.
Who voted Ayes - Noes Final Vote Count for Roll Call 425.
2nd Eye Wall on Katrina? Maybe a little insurance help?. Remy Benoit
From WPMI TV and MSNBC Hurricane Katrina: Two Eyewalls?.
Al Gore: A Drive for Global Domination..... Remy Benoit
From Al Gore, The Guardian UK, at Truthout A Drive for Global Domination Has Put Us in Greater Danger.
Bill Moyers: D-Day Revisited and more. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at Truthout Bill Moyers Journal SPECIAL.
Don't forget, those of you who are passing time with us in New Orleans, do visit D-Day Museum.
And hey, it is Memorial Day weekend...thank a Veteran.
From Kelly Kennedy, Army Times at Veterans for Common Sense Study: Sarin Linked to Gulf War Illnesses.
From the AP at Military.com Bush Signs Iraq War Spending Bill.
Heavy Casualties Since Last Memorial Day. Remy Benoit
From CNN 16 'directly related' to U.S. troops' capture held.
From the AP at Military.com U.S. Deaths Near Grim Memorial Day Mark.
From the AP at CNN Iran says it's uncovered spy rings from U.S., allies.
From Reuters, Sayed Salahuddin at Truthout US Show of Force in Gulf Alarming: Afghan paper.
From Robert Parry and Consortium News at Truthout Grieving Moms vs. Washington Pols.
By Thom Patterson and CNN at Truthout Iraq Vet: "My Brain Will Not Let Go".
For AJ and all the others who find yourselves in such pain, do read Ed Ticks War and the Soul. and do visit with Dr. Ed and his staff at Sanctuary. as they can, and will, help you.
From David Corn at The Nation The Dems' Self-Defeat on the Irar War Vote.
From The Washington Post, Steve Fainaru and Saad al-Izzi at MSNBC U.S. security contractors open fire in Baghdad
Blackwater employees were involved in 2 shooting incidents in past week.
From the AP at Military.com War Widows Lobby for Better Benefits.
Mr. Cheney, who had 'better things to do' than go to 'Nam Cheney delivers call to arms at West Point
VP warns graduates that ‘nobody can promise us we won’t be hit again’.
From Joe Strupp at Truthout McClatchy's DC Bureau Claims It's Barred From Defense Secretary Plane.
For those of you who are interested Draft Gore.
Al Gore: The Assault on Reason.
Al Gore: An Inconvenient Truth.
From The New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout War Without End.
Bill Moyers Interviews Maxine Hong Kingston. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at Truthout Bill Moyers Interviews Maxine Hong Kingston.
A Review of Larry Winers' The Making and Unmaking of a Marine. Remy Benoit
Once upon a time there was a war – a police action – when our young men were sent to Vietnam in very large numbers.
Some went willingly, signing up as Larry did; others, many others, were drafted.
Some went on military transport; some were dropped into the war zone by commercial flights that took off very quickly, flying their remaining passengers to business meetings and to vacations.
It is said that no matter the number of others with whom you go to war, each soldier goes alone; goes alone wondering if he will live to board the Freedom Bird home; goes alone questioning if the courage will be drawn up to do what must be done.
Each one goes ignorant of what war really is until the boots are on the ground and screams of Incoming swiftly bring a new reality that turns everything previously known, previously believed, upside down.
Yet, even in this aloneness, each soldier who goes to war brings many people, belief systems, and experiences with him. They are the active ghosts of the former life that have no place in a war zone.
Or do they?
The answer to that question comes to each soldier wherever he finds himself in combat as did this author.
Larry Winters’ story is powerful, thought provoking, and question raising because it is honest, open, and forthright. His pain, his hopes, his illusions and disillusions, pour through the pages of this book with such intensity that we find on his path with him the rocks under which lie hidden things that must be brought out into the light and dealt with. Larry prompts those who travel with him to find the courage to turn over their own rocks, to see what lies beneath.
Larry’s rock piles include an overly harsh father with an endless heavy work list; an overly harsh father who was not averse to inflicting severe physical punishment.
At a time when deferments were possible, when many took advantage of them, some multiple times, Larry chose Parris Island as a way out, knowing that the training there, the commitment to serve, would take him to the green.
His is a story known to many. What is unique, what is special about The Making and Un-making of a Marine is how Larry chose to deal with the wounded, shattered soul he flew home with on that Freedom Bird.
His is a story of a marriage gone wrong as so many others know only too well, both then and now.
His is a story of the closest bond on the planet between those who fought together to keep each other alive.
His is a story of facing the wretched ugliness of his war experience; of going through the pain; of educating himself to a position where he could help others through their pain.
There is anger in this story; there is forgiveness; there is guilt at being a chopper gunner rather than having had boots on the green of the jungle boonies.
There is learning to be a father in this tale; there is learning to be the mature son, no longer needful of the father’s approval.
There is learning about loving and finding resolution.
There is life long pain here; and there is hope.
There are the “old bastards” who make the wars they send the young to fight.
But most of all there is the fight to maintain and to grow personal integrity in Larry’s story.
Those who fought this war; those who protested this war; those who found a way to not fight this war, all have much to learn from The Making and Un-Making of a Marine.
Honor those who did serve. Take this tangled path with Larry Winters while he walks point for you. Begin to learn what he, what they know – those who served then, whenever and wherever then was, as well as those who serve now.
They are not separate from us – they are us – walking the dark, rock strewn path in The Making and Un-making of a Marine into the light will help you understand that.
Please join Larry at The Making and Un-Making of a Marine. for more of his writing, his poetry, his wisdom, and his healing heart.
Walter Reed in NOT A-Okay. Remy Benoit
From Hall Donahue at The Huffington Post Honor, Tradition, Courage: Broken Tiles, Broken Healthcare System.
There are things that are right and things that are wrong. This is one of the things that is very, very wrong. In wartime you do not close medical facilities; you do not leave Veterans wanting for care.
This Memorial Day, thank a Veteran by Contracting Congress. and saying this we will not tolerate.
This from The Washington Post and Andrew J. Bacevich at Truthout I Lost My Son to a War I Oppose. We Were Both Doing Our Duty. Keep in mind, when you support a war, you are, in essence, picking up a weapon, and firing it physically or symbolically. What is done is done in your name - what you allow to be done, will be - a thought for Memorial Day.
Honor those who serve; thank a Veteran; and know, through hard work, research, and common sense what you are supporting in foreign policy.
That is your responsibility as a citizen.
From Scott Galindez at Truthout The Handwriting on the Wall Is Written in Blood.
"Lord of War". Remy Benoit
Just a programming note.
Nicholas Cage stars in Lord of War which is showing on premium channels now - it is about gun running and it is a 'don't miss this one.'
The numbers keep growing. Remy Benoit
From CNN Records: Senators who OK'd war didn't read key report.
From CNN U.S. tells Iran face to face: Stop supporting militias.
From David Carr, The New York Times at Truthout Not to See the Fallen Is No Favor.
From Julian E. Barnes, the Los Angeles Times at Truthout Progress in Iraq Likely to Miss Target.
From Amy Goodman at Democracy Now Give ’Em Hell, Mr. Terkel.
Paul Sullivan: "VA Strain: Where's the money?". Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VA Strain: Where's the Money?.
Also, from CDI and Winslow Wheeler What Is the Surge Doing to Us?.
From Robert L. Borosage at Tom Paine Ending A Failed Occupation.
On Countdown with Keith Olbermann: Al Gore - The Assault on Reason. Remy Benoit
Al Gore on Iraq.
For those of you with an interest in a possible candidate Gore Draft Gore.
Assault on Reason.
Building in all the wrong places. Remy Benoit
While much of the Gulf Coast lies still in ruins, despite promises and empty rhetoric, plans are on the table, and on the ground, in other places - with huge expenditures.
From VA Watchdog and Max Taves Yaroslavsky Slams Fed's VA Privatization Plans.
From Tom Englehardt, Tom Paine at Truthout The Colossus of Baghdad: Wonders of the Imperial World.
From the AP and Military.com Five Britons Kidnapped in Iraq.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Weekly Update: Saving Lives by Preventing 'Suicide by Cop'.
The wars continue.... Remy Benoit
From CNN 7 killed as U.S. copter crashes in Afghanistan.
From the AP and MSNBC Talabani to meet with Bush at White House
Iraqi leader to discuss U.S. death toll and reconciliation, get health check.
From Amy Goodman, Truthdig at Common Dreams CBS Silences General Dissent.
From Ted Rall at Common Dreams Mission Accomplished: Funding Battle Highlights American Embrace of Moronitude.
From Robert L. Borsage at Tom Paine Ending A Failed Occupation.
May Takes a High Toll. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at Truthout May Toll for US Soldiers in Iraq Climbs to 122.
Long time stayin'?. Remy Benoit
From Ann Scott Tyson, The Washington Post, at Truthout Gates, US General Back Long Iraq Stay.
It's Hurricane Season. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC 2007 Hurricane Season.
Iraq "checks" and prolongments?. Remy Benoit
From ABC at Truthout Soldiering On: ABC News Learns of Plans to Keep Troops in Iraq Beyond 2009.
From Alec Klein and Steve Fainaru ( The Washington Post ) at After Downing Street Judge Halts Award Of Iraq Contract. Mr. Scott calls the mercenaries ""against America's core values." He is right. Where are we going with these groups? Jeremy Scahill - Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army. Wake up, America!
Another Debate Night. Remy Benoit
From CNN War front-and-center as candidates prepare for debates.
The Republican Candidates will debate on Tuesday night.
From the AP at Military.com Many Return to War; Many Never Go.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Iraq Vet Faces Penalty for Protesting War.
From Derrick C. Jackson at the Boston Globe Ignorance on global warming.
Mark Danner: Words in a Time of War/Scott Ritter on Repudiation. Remy Benoit
From Mark Danner at Tom Dispatch Words in a Time of War.
From Ann Scott Tyson and John Ward Anderson, The Washington Post at Truthout Attacks on US Troops in Iraq Grow in Lethality, Complexity. What is your position on all of this? Feel free to share your thoughts. That is what democracy is - lest we forget that - freedom of speech and conscience. If the mass media continues to refuse to address real problems with real investigative reporting, that function will have to be served by the people, at least until they demand that the press resume its real function as the "Fourth Estate." That to is up to you, a collective you, to demand - information - not entertainment. The democracy is at stake - that is the real American hero - the Constitution.
It is also up to us to demand proper, respectful care for the Veterans we constantly allow to be made.
From Scott Ritter and Truthdig at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Repudiation, Not Impeachment, for Iraq War and Constitutional Violations.
A policy that didn't make it over Taiwan?. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Stein, the Congressional Quarterly, at Truthout Defense Officials Tried to Reverse China Policy, Says Powell Aide.
14 more. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Military reports 14 U.S. deaths during weekend.
From Astra Taylor & Laura Hanna at The Nation Bringing the War Home.
The Democratic candidates debated but the war goes on.
Chris Hedges of The Philadelphia Inquirer asks an important question at Common Dreams What If Our Mercenaries Turn On Us?. This question was not raised, not even mentioned, in the debate and it is a vital and serious one.
Julian Borger, David Adam and Suzanne Goldenberg of the UK Guardian bring up another question at Common Dreams Bush Kills Off Hopes for G8 Climate Change Plan.
Cold War Redux?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Putin: Missiles may target Europe.
From the AP and CNN Spat with Moscow key issue on Bush trip.
Is this really what we want for our children; the whole march out into the hallway and sit with your coat over your head and wait for the all clear deal again? I don't think so.
Is this diplomacy? Again, I don't think so.
From Katrina Van Heuvel and The Nation at Common Dreams Dems Debate - While Bush Widens “War on Terror”.
Sig Christenson Agence France-Presse at Truthout US Can Forget About Winning in Iraq: Top Retired General(Sanchez).
Bush says The People want to stay in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com On Iraq, Bush Says Public is with Him.
From The Washington Post, Dan Balz and Jon Cohen at MSNBC Discontent over Iraq increasing, poll finds
Americans also unhappy with Democratic-led Congress.
Review: Lonnie D. Story 's The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg. Remy Benoit
June the 6th is the anniversary of D-Day - the day the Allies landed and began the liberation of Europe.
To all of you who gave your all in World War II, our gratitude for your service; our thanks for the protection of our rights from those who wished an end to them.
Because this was the beginning of the Liberation of Europe, the beginning of the end of the Nazi horror, I thought I would share with you a review of a very special and unique book concerning those and the post-war years.
I give you Mr. Lonnie D.Story's, The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.
Once upon a time, truly not so long ago, to use Mr. Story’s metaphor, a dark Iron Eagle spread its talons across Europe bringing insane, unspeakable cruelty; bringing occupation; bringing catastrophic destruction; rending lives with its insatiable appetite for power and dominance.
One of the first countries to be torn by its iron grip was fiercely independent, resilient, and proud Luxembourg.
One of the many millions families to be plagued by the horror pulled up from the depths of the dark side of humans, was that of Albert Neuman of Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, whose daughter’s life is chronicled in Lonnie D. Story’s, The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.. This is an exceptional book; a warm, deeply human story told in the ‘old-fashioned way’ with deep detail, with heart, with soul, with faith, and within its historic framework.
While detail, heart, soul, and faith are all too often missing in modern writing, this author shares the life of Albert Neuman’s family, with particular emphasis on Anni, and makes the biographic tale a treasure not to be missed.
It is significant that young Anni is born on Armistice Day, 1926. The armistice lasted only from November, 1918 to September, 1939. At best it was fragile, extremely fragile and punitive, but as populations are wont to do in the day to day world, the world succumbed to complacency; clung tenuously to the idea that the horror that was the War to End All Wars, the Great War, could not possibly be repeated, or, indeed, surpassed.
There was the Great Depression to survive.
There was swing.
And by the time of the New York World’s Fair in April of 1939, when Katie Scarlett was beginning to learn of the import of home, hearth, and family, jackbooted soldiers had annexed Austria in the Anschluss, marched into the Sudetenland, and begun the ravaging of Poland.
In May of 1940, while Mr. Smith was giving Washington a lesson in morals and leadership, the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, SS, and Gestapo marched into the lives of the Neuman family who were evacuated in cattle cars to France, a harbinger of endless cattle cars to come, only to be sent back to their looted home when the Maginot Line was rendered meaningless by then modern warfare, and those jackboots took France and flew the Swastika on the Arc de triomphe. Anni’s story is one of survival; of learning to cope with evil incorporate. Anni and Mr. Story plunge us to the depths of despair, but with his metaphor of Anni as the Butterfly of Luxembourg also fly us high and wide in this wonderful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
Read The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg,; meet her family; suffer with them and millions upon millions of others. Learn, up close and very personally, of the impact of the insidious ripping away of freedom, step by step, day by day, dictate by dictate, execution by insane wanton execution.
This biography is not only a tribute to Anni, but to all the good, strong members of her nuclear, extended, national, and international family, just as it is to so many millions of others who have lived through the unspeakable, and yet remained who they were at soul-level, not succumbing to flirtation with, nor collaboration with, personified evil.
You will meet those who did the later; but more often you will meet those who stood firm for the sanctity of freedom, of human dignity.
I have called this a tale told in ‘the old-fashioned way’ and gloriously. It is that. It includes personal notes by the author, it includes horror, pain, despair, starvation, joy, justice, injustice, hope, faith, and yes, love too. Anni meets her GI Joe, Charlie Adams, who, and against incredible odds, emerges as caring, as compassionate, as strong a father and husband as Albert Neuman. It is a joy to read of such men and their absolute devotion of family.
Life brings us much; we too often are complacent -- or otherwise occupied -- to see what is being written on the wind, brought to potential catastrophic reality around us. Anni Adams will remind you of that. It will also take you inside the Neuman family and make you question: If this had been me, how well would I have managed?
For The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg, a ***** recommendation for Mr. Story’s work. A must read. Bravo!
You may look forward to a new book by Lonnie D. Story Without a Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story.
For Additional Reading on subjects relating to D-Day and to the above review, please see below. Ya’ll come down and visit with us in New Orleans at The National D-Day Museum.
PBS – The American Experience – D-Day.
Jewish Virtual Library: The Gestapo.
PBS – The American Experience – The Battle of the Bulge.
Sinclair Lewis: It Can’t Happen Here.
Armor tests, and more. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC NBC tests prompt investigation into U.S. armor
Lawmakers request comparison of standard-issue, alternative product.
From The Bangor Daily News Pat LaMarche: U.S. failing to support our soldiers.
From David Wood and The Baltimore Sun at Veterans for Common Sense Convoys feed ravenous force.
From Laura Berman and The Chicago Sun Times at Veterans for Common Sense
War's real toll mounts.
From Robert Dreyfuss at Tom Dispatch The Pentagon's Blank Check.
From the AP at CNN Reports conflict of Turkish troops in Iraq.
From CNN Gorbachev to U.S.: Let's not repeat the Cold War.
From William River Pitt at Truthout Another Long Summer.
From Chris Sands, The Independent UK at Truthout Bloodshed Is Spreading Across Afghanistan, Warn Aid Workers.
Who said what?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Cheney blocked Justice official's promotion
Attorney opposed Bush's warrantless wiretapping program.
From the AP at CNN Army general chosen to advise Bush skeptical of troop buildup in Iraq.
From Steve Liewer, the San Diego Union Tribune at Veterans for Common Sense More than 200,000 Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans File Disability Claims Against VA.
From Tina Moore, Daily News, at IAVA
NY Daily News: Vets' broken bodies and tormented minds.
Don't forget, if you are writing a book about what you have known and you need help with gentle editing, just click in the right hand column and tell me about your project - reduced rates for all Veterans!
Vietnam: A Journey of Healing with Dr. Ed Tick. Remy Benoit
When we first went to war in Viet Nam we knew little of its heritage, history or people. Even now, after so many Americans served and died there, we have still learned little. The war is three decades behind us yet Viet Nam remains a mystery. But Viet Nam is a country, not a war, with an impressive history, culture and spirituality that Americans can know and that can contribute to our healing.
No matter your age or background, as an American you have a relationship to Viet Nam. The war has intertwined our histories and destinies forever. The beauty and complexity of Viet Nam is available to us. We can heal our rift with that country and with ourselves.
All members of the Viet Nam generation, veterans and non-veterans alike, are especially welcome on this journey in which we will explore this ancient land as well as sites important to the war itself. Younger and older Americans are encouraged to accompany us to learn the lessons of our war, discover the richness and beauty of Viet Nam, and find peace.
We will visit Viet Nam's two major cities, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi, the Mekong Delta, and numerous towns, villages, religious and country sites. The final itinerary will be set according to the interests of travelers, with priority given to veterans and their healing needs. We will juxtapose sites important to our war with sites representing Viet Nam's beauty and ancient civilization. We will immerse equally in our own personal and American histories and the Vietnamese culture itself. We will not remain outsiders, but will also practice acts of charity and restoration, hold reconciliation groups with Vietnamese veterans, visit and serve the war-wounded, and participate in Buddhist healing rituals and practices.
This journey will provide you with a full immersion in the Viet Nam of the Vietnamese people as well as the Viet Nam of our veterans. Join us on this unique and unforgettable journey of exploration and education, healing and reconciliation. Help our vets and countries heal.
Leaders: Dr. Edward Tick is the journey leader. Ed is founder and director of Soldier's Heart: Veterans' Healing Initiatives. He has specialized in facilitating veterans' healing for almost 30 years. Ed's books include WAR AND THE SOUL: HEALING OUR NATION'S VETERANS FROM POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER and THE GOLDEN TORTOISE: VIET NAM JOURNEYS. Tran Dinh Song is our in-country guide. Song is a southern air force veteran, linguist, teacher, tour guide and expert in American studies and international relations. Together they bring profound love, compassion, knowledge and experience of our two cultures in war and peace to our journeys. This will be the seventh journey that Ed and Song have guided together.
Cost: $3,000 for complete land package, plus air fare at time of purchase. To keep our experience highly personal with a focus on healing, growth and learning, capacity is limited to 12.
Speaker Pelosi. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC, Hardball with Chris Matthews Pelosi sees ‘drastic’ troop cuts by mid-2008
Bush’s credibility on war in Iraq ‘in very bad shape,’ speaker says.
Cold War Redux?. Remy Benoit
From James Gerstenzang, Los Angeles Times at the Boston Globe Poland backs US plan for interceptors Putin suggests Turkey or Iraq for the system.
From ABC News Online Human rights advocates slam UK report on CIA renditions.
From Tom Engelhardt at Tom Dispatch The Great American Disconnect
Iraq Has Always Been "South Korea" for the Bush Administration.
From AlterNet, Daniel J. Callahan and Marc P. Miles, at Truthout Blackwater Heavies Sue Families of Slain Employees for $10 Million in Brutal Attempt to Suppress Their Story.
Bicycling Across America to Support Soldier's Heart. Remy Benoit
Please, this is so important and so needs your support.
Wayne is bicycling across the country, from Seattle to Boston, to connect with people, with you; to raise financial support for Soldier's Heart: to tell you about the wonderful work that Dr. Ed Tick is doing with our Veterans through Sanctuary: Soldier's Heart.
Soldier's Heart is an old expression for PTSD. You know that the VA is not adequately handling the needs of our Veterans in this area. Dr. Ed Tick helps in many ways to care for our Veterans. I have so often recommended his War and the Soul. and have been told by numerous Veterans that the book, Dr. Tick's insights, are so very much helping them.
Wayne's incredible journey, taken by choice, in support of the work of Soldier's Heart, in support of our Veterans, needs your help to become a successful ride.
Please, pledge whatever you can in support of Bicycling for Soldier's Heart. The soldiers were there for you - keep the Covenant - the unspoken agreement that we will be there for them as they were there for us. To do less, well, just doesn't work heart wise, now does it? They need you now - help Wayne, help Soldier's Heart, and do, please pass this link along.
Blessings,
Miz'Remy Bicycling for Soldier's Heart.
How long a stay in Iraq?. Remy Benoit
From Thomas E. Ricks, the Washington Post, at MSNBC Military envisions longer stay in Iraq
Officers anticipate small 'post-occupation' force.
From the AP, Paris at CNN Report: CIA had prisons in Poland.
The view from the UK Guardian with Patrick Seale Withdrawal won't happen.
Also from Suzanne Goldenberg The Guardian UK at Truthout General "Sacrificed" to Clear Decks on Iraq.
From Reuters at MSNBC Colin Powell: Guantamano should be closed
Former secretary of state says inmates should be moved to U.S.
From ZBIGNIEW BRZEZINSKI and Time at CNN How to Avoid a New Cold War.
Issues that need facing. Remy Benoit
From the AP and The Washington Post Lieberman: U.S. Should Weigh Iran Attack.
From the AP at Military.com Troops Struggle With Finding Therapists.
From Teri Weaver at Stars and Stripes Servicemembers overcome exhaustion to work on college degrees
while downrange.
From Joe Lauria at The Progressive Maverick Mike Gravel.
Mike Gravel: Citizen Power.
From Helen Thomas, the Hearst Newspapers, and The Seattle Post Intelligencer President Bush heats up the Cold War.
A New York Times Editorial at Common Dreams The Democrats Lag on Warming.
From Garrison Keillor at The Baltimore Sun Making a case for simple life in a small town.
From the AP at CBS Dean: Only A Democrat Will End Iraq War
Party Chair Blames White House And GOP In Congress For Failing To End Unpopular War.
From Patrick Cockburn, The Independent, UK, at Truthout UN Warns of Five Million Iraqi Refugees.
From Amitabh Pal at The Progressive Kurdish Issue Will Explode in Bush’s Face.
Jonathan Hafetz and Legal Times at Truthout Let Torture Into Court.
From Daniel Vallin at Common Dreams Separate and Not Equal– the G8 Reveals our Apartheid Style Democracy.
The suicide risk is DOUBLE for male veterans. Remy Benoit
From CNN Study: Suicide risk double among male U.S. veterans.
"Democratic Dinosaurs" and Republican ground losers. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington atThe Huffington Post Democratic Dinosaurs Turn D.C. into the Land That Time Forgot. Perhaps the incumbents need to remember that they "represent" their constituents who made their position very clear.
From Noam N. Levey and the Los Angeles Times at Truthout Approval of Congress Lowest in a Decade. Are there any Statesmen out there? Somewhere, anywhere?
From Howard Berkes at NPR Poll: Rural Vote No Longer a Lock for Republicans.
From Keith Olbermann of MSNBC at Truthout Restoring Habeas Corpus. This is a major move to protect our rights! Let your Reps and Senators know that.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Gonzales Questions Habeas Corpus: January 19, 2007 - In one of the most chilling public statements ever made by a U.S. Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales questioned whether the U.S. Constitution grants habeas corpus rights of a fair trial to every American
From The Independent UK, Johann Hari: What makes us think we can entrust the future of the human race to these people?
The G8 was a slap-in-the-face reminder that we can't leave it up to our leaders to choose a sane path.
Without active and continual work by the PEOPLE of democracies, it is left to others to determine not only their rights, but their, and their children's future. Who do you know that you would entrust such precious things to? If you are not an active voice in your world, then you are doing just that - letting others shape your life. Let me put it this way - simple and to the point: of all the incumbents, here and abroad, is there anyone who you would let babysit your young children, or grandchildren? But when you think of it, in a round about way, that is exactly what you are
doing - letting "them" make decisions for you and yours unless you speak out and demand what is right for not only you, but what is universally right for all.
From Stephen F. Cohen at The Nation The New American Cold War.
Those of us who are the first line Boomers, well, we remember - we remember the drills, sitting in the hallways - we remember the guns of October - we remember MAD ( Mutually Assured Destruction ) - we remember all the insanity of putting the entire planet in the hands of a few with such lethal consequences possible.
We remember - but the real question is, do we want to do this again? Do we want escalation of nuclear weapons, or do we want something different?
Anti-Nuclear Movements Links. We are caretakers of this planet and of each other, though we do forget that choosing to live with fear, rather than reaching out and learning - and communicating. We have this Internet - it is a great gift, not only for convenience, but for speaking up.
There comes a time when you just have to stand up - there comes a time when you have to get off the couch and stand up. Now is one of those times.
We are making Veterans and not caring for them. What are you going to do about that?
From Robert Parry at Consortium News For the past several months, the Washington press corps has dutifully reported George W. Bush’s attack on Democrats as politicians who wish to impose their Iraq War judgments on the military commanders in the field.
Here are some thoughts from another Granny What Do Subsidized Corn, A Militarized Border, and Finance Reform Have To Do With It?
by Doris "Granny D" Haddock. What are your thoughts on all this?
And here are a few questions on unrelated topics. One - why does it take 7 days for first class mail from Baton Rouge to come the 60 miles to me? At $.41 a letter, well, first class delivery should be just that! Two - if, as the polls indicate, food prices, related to gas prices, are up 4%, then why was a type of meat I could buy for c. $23 ( enough for 8 days suppers) now about $65 - no, I did not, would not, and could not, buy it. Three - when are we going to say - Enough and do something about a lot of things.
Your donations keep this site going - even the smallest of them. Thanks so much.
Arms to the Taliban?. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Iran is arming Taliban, U.S. envoy claims
U.S. general earlier said Afghan fighters are showing better training>. Iran questions why a Shiite nation would supply weapons to the Sunni Taliban?
From Joe Conason Bush Breaks Neocon Taboo.
General Clark to Lieberman. Remy Benoit
At The Huffington Post from General Wes Clark to Joe Lieberman Joe Lieberman Is At It Again.
From WTNH Connecticut Lieberman asked to resign from his own party.
From the Bangor Daily News and John Buell Where's the anti-war passion?.
From The Inter Press Service and Gareth Porter POLITICS-US: Cheney's Iran-Arms-to-Taliban Gambit Rebuffed.
From the AP and MSNBC Minarets on Iraq's Golden Dome destroyed
Bloc loyal to firebrand Shiite cleric suspends membership in parliament.
"The Drive" New Orleans : Lakeview - The Lower 9th Ward - and More. Remy Benoit
Lakeview.
From You Tube The Drive: New Orleans: The Lower 9th Ward.
This could be your city - Demand the proper rebuilding of New Orleans and her levees.
Levees.
Last Live Video Of Katrina/Rita Hurricane 2005.
Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, 08/29/2005 Pre Dawn Video.
This was a terrifying experience none of us will ever forget, even if D.C. has. The Gulf Coast is coming back - tell your Congressmen and Senators to stand by us - they don't know when their state will be next.
NRA: The Untold Story of Gun Confiscation After Katrina.
National Guard Confiscating Guns in New Orleans.
U.S. Constitution:
The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when
in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Amendment II A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
This is YOUR Constitution - YOUR Bill of Rights. Protect them - stand up for them.
From the AP and MSNbc House OKs gun legislation after Virginia Tech
NRA, Dems agree to improve states’ sharing of background check info.
John Conyers: Why I Issued Subpoenas. Remy Benoit
From John Conyers, Daily Kos, at Truthout White House Subpoenas.
In the News - Iraq, the Falklands, the FBI, and Iran. Remy Benoit
From John Solomon, The Washington Post, at MSNBC FBI finds it overstepped in collecting data
Internal audit faults national security investigations.
From CNN Six Sunni mosques targeted after blast at Samarra shrine.
From Reuters at CNN Falklanders hail Brit liberators.
From Robert Naiman at Common Dreams By Lieberman’s Logic, the US May Have to Bomb Itself.
From Anne Flaherty of the AP at Truthout Senate Dems Plan New Round of Iraq Votes. Since Congress' approval ratings are lower than the President's, perhaps they need to move more firmly on what they were voted in for?
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Long Island Poet Deprived of Being Named Laureate Because of his Anti-Bush Writings. Where are today's Murrows?
VA Estimates on Waits Faced by Veterans Don't Compute. Remy Benoit
From Stella M. Hopkins and Chris Adams
McClatchy Newspapers VA overstates record on wait times for appointments, report finds.
To not take immediate, proper, and respectful care of our Veterans is a national disgrace and simple not acceptable.
Some Serious Questions to Consider. Remy Benoit
From Charu Saxena at The Portland Press Herald Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom, which puts us in grave danger.
Iraq, Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Waiting on Petraeus: How Many Will Die Before He Tells Us What We Already Know?.
From the AP, Pauline Jelinek at ABC
Army Plans to Hire More Psychiatrists
AP NewsBreak: Army Is Hiring 25 Percent More Psychiatrists and Other Medical Staff.
At BreitBart the AP and Hope Yen
Bill Would Improve Care for Veterans.
Bill Moyers: Begging His Pardon. Remy Benoit
Bill Moyers at Truthout Begging His Pardon.
Private Contractors Under Attack. Remy Benoit
From Steve Fainaru and The Washington Post at MSNBC Iraq contractors face mounting losses
As security work and attacks increase, so do casualties. Are we as a nation giving any thoughts to the potential dangers from private armies to a democracy?
From David Michael Green Professor of political science at Hofstra University in New York at Common Dreams What Every American Should Know About Iraq.
From CNN Carrying friend in body bag haunts soldier.
From the AP at MSNBC Mail sent to Walter Reed never delivered
4,500 letters and parcels dating to May 2006 only recently discovered.
Lee Iacocca: Where Have All The Leaders Gone?. Remy Benoit
If you have had "enuf", you will find Lee Iacocca in total agreement with you Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
Mr. Iacocca is outraged - wondering what the Founding Fathers, and yes, Mothers, would say to the State of the Union, to the democracy; to the non-hearing Congress and White House.
From Iraq, to Katrina; from global warming, to the treatment of Max Cleland and John Murtha; from corporate greed and war profiteering, to Karl Rove, Mr. Iacocca sets his aim and shoots straight.
If you have asked the questions, Where Have All the Leaders Gone? - Where are the real Statesmen? - this is a book that will touch your heart and your grassroots loving democracy soul. You may read it on the couch, but this declaration of democracy and what it really is, will definitely get you on your feet to do something to protect it.
PTSD/War/Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Dana Priest and Anne Hull, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Mental health system ill equipped for PTSD
Troops returning with psychological wounds confront bureaucracy, stigma.
Thanks to these reporters for staying with the problems of our Veterans and bringing them to you.
And please visit this site - you need to know this - they are there for you, be there for them - even after they have given their all.
Soldiers Plea.
Joe Galloway/General Pace, and More.
From Joe Galloway and the McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout The Dying Continues in Iraq While at Home We Bury Our Heads in the Sand.
From The Washington Post, a video Living With Post Traumatic Stress.
From Robert Burns, the AP, at Truthout Pace Says He Refused to Quit Voluntarily.
From The New York Times: An Editorial at Truthout Presidential Stone Walls.
New Orleans - Still Waiting. Remy Benoit
From Becky Bohrer, the AP, at Truthout New Orleans Turns to International Aid.
Seymour M. Hersh: The General's Report. Remy Benoit
Warning: You perhaps will not want your young children reading these articles.
From Seymour M. Hersh and The New Yorker The General's Report.
From The Daily Kos Excellent and depressing new Seymour Hersh article by leevank.
We are signatories to the Geneva Accords. WE must decide what that means to us and who we are.
We must decide if there is any reason that we should slip into "the dark side." To do that, we must decide who we are.
The Dying Goes On. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 36 killed in fierce battle south of Baghdad
Violence broke out between Shiite militiamen and UK forces, officials say.
From The Guardian, UK and Patrick Wintour at Truthout Iraq on Verge of Genocidal War, Warns Ex-US Official.
From CNN Coalition raids target flow of Iranian aid to insurgents.
From CNN Fathers at war see children 'grow up in pictures'. And mothers do too.
From Jonathan Alter and Newsweek at MSNBC The 'Pull and Strike' Democrats
War critics desperately need a new bumper sticker, a way to commit to withdrawal without looking like surrender monkeys. Whatever happened to just doing what was right for the country? How many more have to die before someone does it right? Whatever happened to the country pulling together? Red - blue - divisions - can we get beyond them and deal with our problems?
From the AP at MSNBC U.S.-led air raid kills seven Afghan children
Strike followed deadly suicide attack in Kabul; police say suspect detained.
From Caroline Arnold at Common Dreams A New Iliad: The Fixation of Dubya or The Wrath of the American People?.
A suggestion was made one night here, passing time on the front porch, that we just adopt an idea of "Thank You" to a Creator instead of all the conflicting dogmas that we kill each other over. The comment was made that it wouldn't work - that people would immediately break down into conflicting sects that would argue over what "Thank You" meant. Join Paul M. Rodriguez at Ruricolist: History of Thankyouism. for his view on what we are capable of doing to the most simple, straight forward notion. By the way, a "Ruricolist" is someone who lives in the country.
From Bob Herbert of the New York Times at Truthout Flip Side of the Dream.
Again, we survived two world wars and the depression because the vast majority of us pulled together - we have many deep divisions today: soldiers/civilians; corporate golden parachutes/the homeless, including about a quarter million of our Veterans; the haves/and ever growing have-nots; those with health insurance/those without. These are all things that need to be on the table, just like global warming, and just like getting to the truth of what our soldiers are dying for. There are many accountable for all the messes and that accountability starts with the American people for not watching dogging those in Congress, those in the Executive.
We have a Constitution - we really need to live by it, protect it. May we stop the self-interest death dance and start fixing what needs fixing. Ms. Pelosi - we gave you the message - respect that and tend to it. Now - not September - not after another child here, right here, goes sick for lack of care - not after another ulcer is formed because a parent's job was outsourced - not after another child, ours or theirs, moves on before the time to become what they could have been. This is what the American people served up at the Congressional table - that and doing what is right in Iraq, and rational in Afghanistan and as concerns Iran. Be the Beacon on the Hill - take the light and clean up the oh so tarnished lamp holder.
As the world grows ever smaller; as her resources dwindle; as her very life as a planet supporting life is threatened, we must grow ever larger of heart, of soul.
We need to change our paradigm - we need a new mythology - the bottom line is not in dollars, rubles, or yen - the bottom line is in what I call the "Three C's" - Communication, Compassion, and Creativity.
We need to tend our earth garden; we need to tend the gardens of our hearts, not just Americans, but all of us.
We were warned by a General, a President, of the problems of a vast military-industrial complex. We survived MAD. We can survive all of this if we act with reason; if we act with compassion.
Every hungry child diminishes us; every one losing a life on a battleground diminishes us.
Every Veteran we leave untreated for PTSD diminishes us.
Every Darfur diminishes us. Yes, we are all busy; we are all overloaded with sound bytes. We all can't tend the garden in every one of its aspects, but we can each work toward improving one thing that rings with passion for us. Share your ideas here, or join us at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World.
We already have all that we need to heal the planet - we simply have to get to implementing it, and using it.
There is no place now for denial. Mother Earth is in trouble and we are her keepers.
Are we up to the challenge? Yes, we are. We simply have to do it and stop those who devalue life, pillage the environment, and think in terms of I have to have it all, no matter the price to others or to the planet.
Like our Veterans, the earth has been there for us. Now we must be there for her, or we won't be here at all. As always, it is a matter of choice.
Proposition One Committee's Anti-Nuclear Web Sites & Related * Resources Activists' News.
Lee Iacocca: Where Have All the Leaders Gone?
Mike Gravel: Citizen Power: A People's Platform.
Department of Peace.
Sanctuary.
Open Secrets.
Congress.org.
And there is Rep.Kucinich's Bill for those of you interested HRes333.
Robert Borosage: Take Back America. Remy Benoit
I have long advocated that we add to the Three R's in education, the Three C's: Communication, Compassion, Creativity. As in education, these Three C's are missing in our Domestic, as well as Foreign Policy.
This is message, posted at Tom Paine, concerning Take Back America: 'This Is Our Time'.
You just might find some interesting ideas here, like supporting labor rights; rights that were fought for at so very high a price. For today's efforts in that area, visit with Global Solidarity.
A Treatment for PTSD?. Remy Benoit
This is from Brian Braiker, Newsweek, at MSNBC - what do you think?
A Virtual Iraq Doctors are testing a new therapy aimed at helping soldiers with post traumatic stress disorder by having them repeatedly relive the trauma of the battlefield.
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. deploys 10,000 troops in Iraq offensive
Operation seeks to root out al-Qaida militants; coincides with huge blast.
Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn. Remy Benoit
Those who know war live it not only once in the actual engagement in combat and its immediate aftermath, but know it for the rest of their lives at gut, heart, mind, and soul level.
As so many young do, Tony “Mack” McNally signed up to serve his country to find the exuberance of youth often conflicting with the discipline of life in the military.
But then, the reality of service, the reality of war, became that of Mack and his mates when they were shipped thousands of miles away from the United Kingdom to the South Atlantic to fight a war against the attempted take-over of the Falkland Islands by Argentina.
Mack’s specialty was Rapier missiles – high tech, anti-aircraft missiles that require very careful handling, very careful transport, and constant re-calibration by technical experts.
The missiles did not get the first two all so important types of care in transport on their trans-Atlantic voyage. There would be heavy human cost to pay for that neglect.
Mack speaks to the intrusive question so often asked of Veterans – What does it feel like to kill someone? It is the question he, like most of them, walk away from.
But about the question – What does it feel like when you are the Rapier gunner and the enemy aircraft are closing in on the Sir Galahad which is still packed with troops who could have disembarked hours before – What does it feel like when you push the button to launch the missile and all you hear is the noise that comes with a malfunction?
What does it feel like when men you were there to protect begin to scream as they begin to die?
What does it feel like to watch men burn?
Mack tells you.
Britain won the engagement – took the victory. Her soldiers celebrated; let off tension, sometimes in ways inexplicable to those who have not know war; inexplicable to those who in engaged in post combat acts that they would later not even begin to comprehend their part in; inexplicable behavior then which developed into mental, spiritual, and psychic disabilities. Like many Veterans, Mack and his mates were not even aware at first that their “not normal” behaviors, night terrors, fears, traumas were common post-war experiences that we have come to know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD equals tortured lives unless properly treated. It can be diagnosed early on – it too, too often isn’t because many war Veterans are unaware that it has existed since we first picked up clubs; because if it is known there is the feeling that there is a “stigma” attached to having pieces of soul splintered by war; because governments would rather not fund the care of their Veterans.
After the Falklands, Mack left the service, tried civilian life, only to re-up and volunteer for soldiering in Northern Ireland where, once again, he witnessed savage act perpetrated by people upon other people.
In Watching Men Die, Mack tells an honest and deeply personal story of the impact of PTSD on his life and thus, on that of thousands of others. He speaks to horrific nightmares, “aberrant” behaviors; sleeping in outside trenches, overuse of alcohol for release. His experience of PTSD is known by countless others. Mack brings it to the non-military public to taste the horror of.
His story is not unique to the UK; it is a story known to soldiers in all times, in all places that too often falls on deaf government ears; that too often is unknown at all to those who have not “been there.”
But not only does Mack tell his story so vividly, he gifts his readers with entries from his personal journal offering eye opening terror by sharing some of his traumatic suffering. Other Veterans will know the truth there – civilians must open their eyes to the truths there.
He gives us the UK Court ruling that puts the onus of the burden of PTSD suffering on the Veterans, who again, often do not know why they suffer rather than on the military that knows, without doubt, that PSD is often a concomitant of service in the war; that knows, if diagnosed, it can be treated if understood as a normal reaction to not normal, mind-bending, experiences.
Tony McNally gives us a great truth – read it – feel it and then answer this question:
What does it feel like to know, up close and quite personal, that this is what we, no matter our country, allow to continue – lack of treatment; lack of respect; lack of gratitude; understaffed and closed Veterans hospitals; long waiting lists for treatments; and lack of pre-combat teaching of what combat can do to the heart, mind, and soul so that Veterans understand when the night terrors come from whence they come.
What does it feel like to really know this from Mack’s story and to not close ranks with those who have served and demand what is right and just?
What does it feel like to let Veterans minds, hearts, and souls burn?
How much better would you feel if you launched your voice and vote “missiles” and demand what is right?
Read the gift of truth that Tony McNally has given you; learn his truths and launch those voices and votes toward the right targets so we can watch our Veterans heal – all over the world.
Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn.
Join Mack at Rogue-Gunner.
Gulf Coast Blues. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Gilbert M. Gaul and Dan Morgan at MSNBC Mississippi Delta sees a slow demise
Farm subsidies favor big over small, white over black.
From Bruce Alpert and the Times Picayune Convincing Congress to fund Road Home shortfall will be difficult, leaders say.
From Richard Rainey and the Times Picayune Corps cancels gates at Jeff pump stations.
From Chris Rose at the Times Picayune The 60-Second Interview.
From David Hammer at the Times Picayune 2 Audits knock Road Home.
On the Iraq Front. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Brecher & Brendan Smith and The Nation A Moratorium Wired to Stop the War.
And if you missed this one last night, do catch up with it - it is very well done! From Producer Michael Kirk and PBS Endgame.
This program explains how we got to where we are - you do not want to miss this!
From Robert Borosage, submitted by Isaiah J. Poole at Tom Paine
Borosage Plays Hardball On Iraq.
Iraq Officials, KIA, and U.S. Homefront. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Joshua Partlow and Robin Wright, at MSNBC Top Iraqi officials growing restless
Vice president has tried to quit; Shiite leaders in disarray.
From Alan Weber, USA Today, at Common Dreams ‘All War Is Local’.
From CNN 14 U.S. troops killed in Iraq in 48 hours.
From Chris Hedges and TruthDig at Veterans for Common Sense Iraq War: A Culture of Atrocity.
And from Michael Sullivan at NPR Vietnam President Arrives for Visit to Washington. This should give us pause for reflection.
Longer Tours?. Remy Benoit
From A Soldier's Mind at Veterans for Common Sense Army Considering Even Longer Combat Tours… Say It Ain’t So.
Not Part of the Executive?. Remy Benoit
From Justin Rood of ABC News at Truthout Cheney Power Grab: Says White House Rules Don't Apply to Him.
There seems to be a problem here of interpretation.
Article II
Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows:
Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector.
The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for President; and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, the person having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice President.
The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which they shall give their votes; which day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States.
In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Section 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.
The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session.
Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper; he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.
Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Iraq/Casualties/Abu Ghraib/Moratorium to Stop the War. Remy Benoit
From Elizabeth Sullivan at the Cleveland Plain Dealer U.S. is fighting a contractor war.
From Dana Priest and Anne Hull, the Washington Post, at Veterans for Common Sense The War Inside: VA Rejects PTSD Claim for Iraq War Combat Veteran Diagnosed with PTSD and Decorated for Valor.
From Dan Ephron and Sarah Childress, Newsweek, at Veterans for Common Sense How the U.S. Is Failing Its War Veterans.
Soldier's Heart: Mentor the Soul.
Dr. Ed Tick: War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. An absolute MUST READ and then send copies to Congress and every Vet you know.
From Marie Cocco at Truthdig On Iraq, the Candidates are Frozen in Time.
From Ryan Grim, The Nation, at Common Dreams When Did Bush Know About Abu Ghraib?.
From Joe Galloway, the McClatchy Newspapers, at Truthout Re-Open Investigation of Abu Ghraib.
From Karen DeYoung and Walter Pincus, The Washington Post, at MSNBC CIA to air decades of its dirty laundry
Assassination attempts, domestic spying among the abuses.
From Sydney Blumenthal, Salon, at Common Dreams Imperial Presidency Declared Null and Void - Bush May Ignore The 4th Circuit’s Stinging Rebuke of His War Paradigm. But His Policies are Losing The Cloak of Legality.
From Dan Froomkin, The Washington Post, at Truthout Cheney: Neither Here Nor There?.
From CNN Congressman: Cheney challenges classified oversight.
From Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity at Common Dreams Countering Terrorism - How Not To Do It.
From Jeremy Brecher & Brendan Smith, The Nation A Moratorium Wired to Stop the War.
From the Answer Coalition What Should the Anti-War Movement Do Now? A Proposal from the Answer Coalition.
From SPC Freeman, Military.com Blog, Doubt.
From Robert Borosage at Tom Paine
Progressives Have The Mojo Now.
On dark side, from Time Vacationing at Auschwitz.
New Orleans Mortality Rate Up Since Katrina. Remy Benoit
From Steve Sternberg at USA Today New Orleans deaths up 47%. Where is the "Preserve" and "Protect" in this? New Orleans is a Major port city - if she can be so neglected, what if this catastrophe was in a small town? Think about that for awhile - and help us bring back the Gulf Coast. Levees.
"Without a Scratch". Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, an in-depth look at the verities of war and PTSD Without a Scratch.
Cheney's Place? Gitmo's Tribunals? and More. Remy Benoit
From Michael Duffy and Time The Cheney Branch of Government.
From the AP at MSNBC Army officer: Guantanamo hearings are flawed
Military evidence sometimes not credible, he says in affidavit for detainee.
From The Guardian, UK, and Julian Borger Nuclear Watchdog Might Not Cope in Atomic Crisis.
And from the New York Times at Truthout Don't Veto, Don't Obey.
Iraq Troop Levels. Remy Benoit
From Thomas E. Ricks, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Iraq push revives criticism of force size
Baghdad offensive may shift violence elsewhere.
From Helene Cooper and William Glaberson, The New York Times, at the Chicago Tribune U.S. weighs moving Guantanamo inmates.
From Katrina Vanden Huevel at The Nation What to Do About Joe?.
While the VA is not keeping up with the number of Veterans it had and who are now coming into the system, there is also this problem we have yet to admit. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Again, it is not them and us - they are us. When will we get that and give them all the care they need, with respect?
No oversight and more deaths, and "pick up the trash'. Remy Benoit
From Josh Meyers, the Los Angles Times at Truthout
Bush Claims Oversight Exemption Too.
From CNN Iraq bombs kill 7 U.S. troops.
From Max Blumenthal, The Nation at Common Dreams Bush to New Orleans Jazz Legend: “Pick Up All the Trash”.President and Mrs. Bush Host Congressional Picnic.
Historic Wildfire. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN Historic wildfire still smolders.
One has to wonder, what kind of help - assistance - will be forthcoming on this one?
From Jon Meacham, Newsweek, at MSNBC What You Need to Know Now.
From Brian Braiker, Newsweek, at MSNBC Dunce-Cap Nation We asked Americans about current events, history and cultural literacy. And we got some pretty disheartening results.
From the BBC UN chief warns on climate change.
From the BBC Billions face climate change risk.
From Jay Reeves, the AP at USA Today Exceptional drought spreading from Alabama into Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia.
This is another kind of awareness that we just don't see to get.
This is also something that we don't seem to get. From Barton Gellman and Jo Becker, The Washington Post at MSNBC Cheney exerts influence out of public view
Vice president has shaped his times as no other has before.
Nor do we seem to comprehend this from CNN Nine U.S. troops die in Iraq.
From Stanley J. Kutler at The Nation Who's Afraid of History?. And history includes our lack of care of the planet.
Some things for reflection.
Here are a few more - from Jim Weil, Bloomberg at Truthout Halliburton's Accounting Might Make You Wonder.
From Jim Hightower There may be as many rent-a-troops in Iraq as U.S. military The Bushites have outsourced our government to their pals. The question remains here, what do you do with all these private armies when the war ends? Where do they fit into a democracy? From Source Watch Blackwater. This is also something of which we just don't seem to get the potential.
Iraq . Remy Benoit
From Barton Gellman and Jo Becker, Newsweek at MSNBC Part 2 of 4 Cheney reshaped limits on interrogation
Courts, Congress have struck back, but VP won more battles than he lost.
From Maureen Dowd, The New York Times at Truthout A Vice President Without Borders, Bordering on Lunacy.
From the AP at Truthout Cheney Stance on Information Challenged.
From CNN Deadly blast hits Iraq peace talks.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News Bush's Mafia Whacks the Republic.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News Sen. Levin's False History & Logic.
From Frank Rich, The New York Times at Common Dreams They’ll Break the Bad News on 9/11.
From the AP at Military.com Strength of Iraqi Forces Questioned.
From Alisa Tang, the AP at Truthout Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Causing Alarm.
From The Progressive Olbermann Mocks O'Reilly's "Serious" Reporting.
How Many Hours Are You Working/Soldiering Now?. Remy Benoit
From Dave Moberg at The Progressive
95 years later, eight-hour workday is vanishing standard.
From Mike Sears at Military.com Mike Sears Reports from Anbar.
From Nick Coleman, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune at Military.com Minnesota must help our soldiers Minnesota's 2,600 National Guard troops serving in Iraq have begun to come home, with nine dead, dozens injured and an unknown number suffering emotional wounds.
"Veterans as Refuse". Remy Benoit
From the Daytona Beach News Journal Online - an Editorial Veterans as refuse Why do they make up a quarter of the nation's homeless?.
50 Presidential High School Scholars Urge End to Torture. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Scholars urge Bush to ban use of torture
High school seniors present president with letter during annual program.
Iraq/Power/and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP and CNN U.S. struggles with breadth, depth of war injuries.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
From Bill Moyers at Common Dreams The Leaders and Ideas to Run the Country.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout A Time to Reap.
From Jo Becker and Barton Gellman, The Washington Post at MSNBC Part 3 Guiding decision-making from the back stage
Cheney has been the unseen hand behind major domestic initiatives.
From John Nichols at The Nation Calling Cheney's Bluff.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout How Dick Cheney Broke My Mind.
House
Res 333.
From Foreign Policy in Focus Take Back American Foreign Policy.
From the AP at MSNBC Key GOP senator says Iraq strategy not working
In blow to Bush, Lugar calls for new approach that downsizes military's role.
From CNN Report blasts U.S. for failures in fighting terrorism.
From Paul Tait at Reuters Six tribal leaders among 50 killed in Iraq.
From Tom Hayden at The Nation A Call to Bring All Troops Home.
From Jim Kuhnhenn at The Huffington Post Court Allows Issue Ads Near Elections.
Considering all the implications of all the above articles, it is time to take a stand - it is time to take back America. Time to get off the couch and protect America.
Down History Lane with Anna Quindlen We've Been Here Before
What was the cause, the point, the strategy? Suddenly many Americans started to realize that there was no good answer.
Richard J. Newman Vietnam's forgotten lessons.
Ron Kovic Born on the 4th of July. Video Vets: Interview with Ron Kovic. We MUST stand up for our Veterans - to do less is simply not acceptable, decent, or, indeed, moral. VOTE VETS.
Ed Tick: What is a Warrior?. Remy Benoit
An excerpt from War and the Soul.
Afghanistan and Opium. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.N.: Opium production soaring in Afghanistan
Nation’s record poppy harvest has boosted global supply to new record high.
Energy - Public Safety. Remy Benoit
From the Union of Concerned Scientists Handful of Senators Block Clean Energy Vote
Statement by Marchant Wentworth, Washington Represetnative for UCS's Clean Energy Program.
From the Union of Concerned Scientists EPA Falls Short of Scientists' Calls for Stricter Controls on Smog Old standard not enough to protect public health.
From Claudia Lauer of the Los Angeles Times Ex-EPA chief defends accounts of 9/11 air quality
Christine Todd Whitman tells a House panel that her statements on ground zero safety were 'based on the judgment of experienced scientists.'.
From the Sierra Club, a video - Episode 1: 9/11 Forgotten Heroes.
Opinion on War. Remy Benoit
From CNN and Bill Schneider Poll: GOP support for Iraq war beginning to waver.
Troubled Areas. Remy Benoit
From CNN Protesters torch Iran gas stations.
From Jeremy Lovell at Reuters World must plan for urban milestone: U.N.
From Greg Miller at the Los Angeles Times CIA reveals Cold War secrets Agency declassifies long-guarded 'family jewels': an illegal detention, domestic spying and Mafia help in a plot to kill Castro. This is a good opportunity for us to examine our policies and what is being done in our names. We are at a critical junction in defining who we are with all the current policies also under investigation.
Who are we, America?
Down History Lane With Country Joe. Remy Benoit
From Mike Stuckey at MSNBC Country Joe flashes back to Summer of Love
A counterculture legend revisits haunts where it all went down in '67. Don't miss the video at site!
Trained Dogs to Help Wounded. Remy Benoit
From Military.com Dogs Trained to Aid Wounded.
Iraq and More. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Richard Lugar and John Warner: Crazy Lefties on the Loose!.
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. forces turning to ‘indirect’ war tactics Support grows for uprooting terror havens rather than relying on firefights.
From CNN Police: 20 decapitated bodies found near Baghdad.
From Amy Goodman, Truthdig at Common Dreams Time Is Right for New Pentagon Papers. Perhaps, as well, the information on the CIA since the time of the "family jewels" too. Might clear up a whole lot of things for Joe Citizen.
From The New York Times, An Editorial at Truthout Three Bad Rulings.
From Olga Bonfiglio at Common Dreams Women in Black: Mourning for All Victims of War and Violence.
From Edward Cody, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Text messages giving voice to Chinese
Opponents of chemical factory found way around censors.
From Tom Englehardt, Toms Dispatch at Truthout Surging Past the Gates of Hell.
From Robert Morris, Toms Dispatch, at Truthout The Rise and Rise of Robert Gates: The Specialist (Part 3).
From Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball, Newsweek, at MSNBC Lessons Of The 'Family Jewels'
The CIA says it has left its shady past behind. But has the agency learned from its mistakes—and how much has really changed?.
From Jim Lehrer and Paul Solomon at PBS Experts Calculate Billions in Long-term Costs of War
Congress has approved about $450 billion to date for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but economists also have been tabulating the long-term costs such as veterans' care. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explores the broader costs of the war.
From the National Priorities Project Cost of War. You can find out here directly what it costs your community.
This is what it has cost the soldiers CNN Special Report: U.S. And Coalition Casualties - 3,568 Americans KIA - 26,129+ American WIA. This does not include the disputed numbers of Iraqis dead, wounded, refugees, homeless, etc.
This does not speak to the required, but not forthcoming treatment of PTSD; it does not speak to the overstressed, understaffed, underfunded VA that gives big bonuses to people who keep it that way. It does not speak to destroyed marriages and families. It does not clarify the intensity and severity of brain and spinal injuries.
This does not speak to States left without large proportions of National Guard troops and concomitant equipment.
This does not speak to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and those dying there.
This does not speak to the rise of mercenary forces, pretty much answerable to no one.
This does not speak to a whole world of things. Will you speak to them?
<
Showdown Time. Remy Benoit
Rachel Van Dongen, Roll Call at Truthout Conyers Threatens Contempt Citation After White House Asserts Privilege.
Iraq Continues. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC 5 U.S. soldiers killed, 7 injured in Iraq attack
Baghdad deaths bring to 99 the number of troops killed this month.
From Bill Scher at Tom Paine How We Can Retire Ann Coulter.
From Rick Perlstein at The Nation Will the Progressive Majority Emerge?.
From Theodore C. Sorensen at The Washington Monthly The New Vision The speech I want the Democratic nominee to give.
Live Earth Concerts for a Climate in Crisis.
From the AP and CNN 800,000 hit by South Asia floods.
From the AP at Yahoo News and Stephen Ohlemacher America's big cities are getting smaller.
Are you prepared for hurricane season? You need to depend on yourself - promises do not feed you, give you water, or keep you alive.
Politics/Religion/End Times?. Remy Benoit
From JP Briggs II, Ph.D., and Thomas D. Williams at Truthout Bush, Mideast Wars and End-Time Prophecy.
Visiting Rocky Hollow. Remy Benoit
The Internet has many critics; some say ‘it takes too much of your time, you can become a computer junkie.’ Perhaps, just perhaps, in some cases that can be true.
But the Internet is an awesome gift. I have said many times to my children how wonderful it would have been in college, in grad school, to have access to it, rather than driving hundreds of miles to seek out a few facts to substantiate a position taken on a paper.
Yet the Internet is much more than a study tool.
It is a connector. It brings the world and its people together as nothing else ever has. How we use that connection is up to us – for the good - or for spewing more disconnection.
The ‘Net allows us to say to the MSM that we would really, really, really, really like it to present us some real news. It allows us to constantly remind incumbents at all levels of government why they were elected – and that they are there, first and foremost to protect our Constitution, our rights, including Habeas corpus. When they don’t, the ‘Net allows us to remind them again, and again, and again that that is what they were elected for.
The ‘Net gives us a means to say there are things seriously wrong in our schools, in our cities, in our tax system, in our health care system – let’s fix them.
The ‘Net allows us to say that there are things still seriously wrong and untended to all along the Gulf Coast and in our beloved N’Awlins and to keep the pressure on to fix them..
The ‘Net lets us again, and again, and again to remind Congress and the Executive that when you make Veterans it is incumbent upon you to care for them with respect, with celerity, with proper loving concern. It is the moral thing to do.
The ‘Net allows us to be there for Veterans who just need someone to tell of the dreams, of the night terrors, of the pain – just to be there to let them know that there are so many of us who really care, and are here, day after day, working to see that they get what they need.
The ‘Net allows us to share books, in my case to review and edit them; to share ideas, to share concerns; to share a vision that we hold and are dedicated to working toward for our country.
The ‘Net allows us to be there via e-mail to tell those dear to us that we are there when
they are hurting – that we are always just an e-mail or a phone call away in a time of need.
The ‘Net allows us to instantly share the joy at a new grandbaby joining a family.
The ‘Net allows us to share our creativity, our arts, our language and to learn those of others.
The ‘Net brings us new friends; friends from distant places; friends we may never actually sit down to table with a cuppa, but friends with whom we share our lives, our concerns, our joys, our outrage at the contemporary mess in our country; and friends with whom we can share possible solutions, and spread the word about them.
The Internet has brought me many friends and today I would like to share some special ones with you. I have reviewed poetry books of Professor Emeritus Al Beck before with you. Al is a Veteran of Korea, a veteran of decades of actions and words to reform our so sinking educational system. He is a poet, a folk singer, an essayist, a husband to his lovely Carmen, a father, and a true patriot with deep concerns for his country. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. To me, it is a deep and precious honor that we share a friendship over many hundreds of miles.
And today I take you to visit with him at Rocky Hollow.
RockyHollow.
Your comments, concerns, ideas are always welcome.
Blessings,
Miz’ Remy
Paul Sullivan: Change is Good. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Special Update: Change is Good - Demand Cheney's Resignation.
From Robert H. Reid, the AP, at Truthout Iraq Ambush Caps Bloodiest Months for US.
From Elizabeth Williamson and Jonathan Weisman, The Washington Post, at Truthout Democrats Plan to Press GOP on Iraq.
Outsourcing Intel. Remy Benoit
From Steve Fainaru and Alec Klein, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Iraq's private realm of intelligence-gathering
Firms extend U.S. government's reach.
From CNN NATO, Afghan officials probe report of civilian deaths.
From Hamid Ahmed, the AP, at Truthout US Raids Baghdad Slum; 26 Iraqis Die.
In situations such as these, when who is the insurgent is not easily identifiable, it is quite possible for all kinds of charges to be made, and all kinds of collateral damage to be suffered.
From CBS News at Truthout Poll: Calls to Get Out of Iraq Escalate.
From John Nichols at The Nation Another World Is Possible; Another U.S.A. is Necessary.
From Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, at Truthout Dick Cheney's Dangerous Influence.
From Jemima Lewis, The Independent UK at Common Dreams America Could Do With a Few Feral Beasts
There is a thin line between respectable and supine, and US journalism is on the wrong side.
Care of Veterans. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Times Editorial Board at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial - Funds for Veterans and the Wounded.
From Victor Martinez, Op-Ed News, at Veterans for Common Sense 1.8 Million U.S. Veterans Have No Health Care.
Executive Privilege: Use/Abuse. Remy Benoit
An Editorial from The New York Times at Truthout Abuse of Executive Privilege.
Bush Looking for Answers. Remy Benoit
From Peter Baker, The Washington Post, at MSNBC A president besieged and isolated, yet at ease
Bush, grasping for answers and fixated on Iraq, remains resolute.
From CNN 5 U.S. troops killed in Iraq.
From The Palm Beach Post, an Editorial Secret Cheney can't hide.
No jail for Scooter. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush commutes Libby's prison sentence.
From the AP and MSNBC Bush spares Libby from 2 1/2-year prison term
President leaves fine, probation intact for convicted ex-White House aide.
From Jon Garcia, Jason Ryan and Theresa Cook at ABC News Libby Sentence Commuted.
Libby Decision Draws Criticism. Remy Benoit
From NPR Bush Decision on Libby Draws Fire.
From David Corn at The Nation Bush Commutes Libby's Jail Sentence.
If you wish to inform the President of your perspective on this commutation Contacting the White House.
From Paul Begala at The Huffington Post George W. Bush is One Tough Hombre.
From Chris Good, The Hill, at Truthout McDermott to Cheney: "Resign or Face Impeachment".
From Matt Apuzzo, the AP, at Common Dreams Bush Commutes Libby Prison Sentence.
From Tom Curry at MSNBC Does outrage over Libby have an outlet? Commutation of sentence seems unlikely to have consequences for Bush .
The White House line is 1-202-456-1111.
This is your country - it needs your voice.
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by all this; if you feel that one voice can't make a difference, well, tomorrow is the 4th of July - it is not just a hot dog and hamburger day - it is the day to Celebrate our Independence - let Bill Pullman remind you at that - "We will go on" - Independence Day.
TBI. Remy Benoit
From Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, American Conservative Magazine at Veterans for Common Sense TBI: Hidden Wounds from the Iraq War.
Olbermann Interviews Wilson. Remy Benoit
From You Tube and MSNBC Countdown Coverage of Scooter Libby Commutation Part Three. Join Keith Olbermann for a Special Comment tonight - 7 Central Time.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, at MSNBC Olbermann: Bush, Cheney should resign
‘I didn’t vote for him, but he’s my president, and I hope he does a good job.’
Happy 4th of July!. Remy Benoit
A thought for the day we Celebrate our Independence:
Can you pass the citizenship test?. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC July 4th Special Do you have what it takes to become a citizen?.
Lonnie D. Story: Press Release - Without a Shot Fired. Remy Benoit
We are inviting you to a new radio show which you can view here on the Net and join in with.
You will find my review of Lonnie D. Story's The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.
here at Amazon.
He has been lauded for his work by numerous international organizations and governments for his literary work including the Luxembourg Ambassadors to the United States and United Nations, The Luxembourg General Consul and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. His work has been critically acclaimed with high marks by such media outlets as the national Catholic news magazine St. Anthony's Messenger, The Florida Catholic, Senior's Magazine, as well as many other newspaper and magazine articles. He has appeared as special guest to many television and radio programs throughout the U.S. In addition to this, he has distinguished himself as a Columnist for the Populist Party of America in its bi-monthly newsletter reaching a readership of 10's of thousands. He is currently working on his second book "Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story." The story of a young, American soldier, U.S. Army Specialist Dustin Brim who was believed to have been exposed to Depleted Uranium during deployment to the war in Iraq and lethally ravaged by a unusual and diverse cancer subsequently dying at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in less than six (6) months removed from the battlefield.
Story will be hosting the inaugural news talk show with his first guest being Lori Brim, the mother of deceased Army Veteran, Dustin Brim. Ms. Brim will be discussing her trials and tribulations through this horrific tragedy, the loss of her only son and her battle for the truth from a government refusing to answer her questions, including the disappearance of her son's pre-deployment medical records, his personal belongings and the unwillingness of her own local, State and National representatives to intervene on her behalf. The live Call-in program will be open to the listening audience to join in this discussion and will include the subject matter of the use of Depleted Uranium in munitions from the U.S. Military in Iraq and other conflicts. Everyone will be invited to join in this conversation from Experts, Governmental Officials to the public at large.
To listen in, watch or participate, all parties are encouraged to interact in this open forum by email, telephone or IM at WAPN.NET.; IM: WAPNSTUDIO1 yahoo messenger or call: (386) 673-2495 to go live. Email: WAPN. To watch the live webcast go to WAPN.NET. and view by clicking on the webcam button.
June Casualties. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense July 5, 2007, VCS Weekly Update: 1,664 U.S. Casualties in June; Total Escalates to 65,278.
From Joshua Partlow, The Washington Post, at Truthout Body Count in Baghdad Up in June.
David Halberstam: The History Boys. Remy Benoit
We have suffered a great loss in the death of David Halberstam in a traffic accident this past spring.
This piece of his is in Vanity Fair and here at The History Boys.
Thank you, David, for decades of caring and journalistic excellence.
Censure? - Dangers in Sales?. Remy Benoit
From Larry Lipman, The Palm Beach Post, at Truthout Wexler: Censure Bush Over Libby.
From Joseph Contreras and Ed Caram, Newsweek, at MSNBC Danger in Uniform
An infrared patch that allows easy nighttime identification of U.S. soldiers is widely available in the United States. That's a big problem.
"This Is For The Soldiers". Remy Benoit
From Paul Rieckhoff at Military.com This Is For the Soldiers.
Editorial: First Amendment. Remy Benoit
From Mikey Weinstein, Buzz Flash, at Veterans for Common Sense Enlisting Christ - Not on my Watch.
More death. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Violence kills 73 people in Shiite villages in Iraq
U.S. military reports that six service members slain in fighting.
From the AP at Military.com AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
A friend sent me this nostalgic link this morning, so I thought I would share it with you.
Let's talk a walk Down History Lane Take Me Back To The Sixties.
NY Times Editorial: Time to Leave Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times at Veterans for Common Sense It is Time to Leave Iraq.
From the AP at MSNBC Violent weekend in Iraq claims 220 lives
Prominent politicians tell civilians to arm themselves after surge of attacks.
A Reminder of an Invitation. Remy Benoit
We are inviting you to a new radio show which you can view here on the Net and join in with.
You will find my review of Lonnie D. Story's The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.
here at Amazon.
He has been lauded for his work by numerous international organizations and governments for his literary work including the Luxembourg Ambassadors to the United States and United Nations, The Luxembourg General Consul and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. His work has been critically acclaimed with high marks by such media outlets as the national Catholic news magazine St. Anthony's Messenger, The Florida Catholic, Senior's Magazine, as well as many other newspaper and magazine articles. He has appeared as special guest to many television and radio programs throughout the U.S. In addition to this, he has distinguished himself as a Columnist for the Populist Party of America in its bi-monthly newsletter reaching a readership of 10's of thousands. He is currently working on his second book "Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story." The story of a young, American soldier, U.S. Army Specialist Dustin Brim who was believed to have been exposed to Depleted Uranium during deployment to the war in Iraq and lethally ravaged by a unusual and diverse cancer subsequently dying at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in less than six (6) months removed from the battlefield.
Story will be hosting the inaugural news talk show with his first guest being Lori Brim, the mother of deceased Army Veteran, Dustin Brim. Ms. Brim will be discussing her trials and tribulations through this horrific tragedy, the loss of her only son and her battle for the truth from a government refusing to answer her questions, including the disappearance of her son's pre-deployment medical records, his personal belongings and the unwillingness of her own local, State and National representatives to intervene on her behalf. The live Call-in program will be open to the listening audience to join in this discussion and will include the subject matter of the use of Depleted Uranium in munitions from the U.S. Military in Iraq and other conflicts. Everyone will be invited to join in this conversation from Experts, Governmental Officials to the public at large.
To listen in, watch or participate, all parties are encouraged to interact in this open forum by email, telephone or IM at WAPN.NET.; IM: WAPNSTUDIO1 yahoo messenger or call: (386) 673-2495 to go live. Email: WAPN. To watch the live webcast go to WAPN.NET. and view by clicking on the webcam button.
Iraq Breakdown. Remy Benoit
From Reuters, Waleed Ibrahim and Ahmed Rasheed Iraqis warn of civil war if U.S. troops withdraw.
From Stephen Collinson, Agence France-Presse at Truthout Democrats Have Daggers Drawn for Bush.
From the AP at MSNBC Top official warns of Iraq collapse if U.S. leaves
White House says it isn't considering a pullout, despite loss of GOP support.
From Andrew Taylor, the AP, at Truthout Report: Wars Costing $12 Billion a Month.
From Amy Drisoll, the Miami Herald at Truthout Reservist Fighting His Fifth War Call-Up.
From Emily DePrang, Texas Observer, at Alternet Iraq Comes Home: Soldiers Share the Devastating Tales of War.
Joshua Clark: Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone - Review. Remy Benoit
Joshua Clark: Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
Louisiana is about life: a rich, full, raucous, outrageous will to life, claiming itself no matter what.
Here, about fifty miles north of New Orleans, it was 5:45 in morning when the power went down. It would be 5:45 PM, eighteen very long, very hard, very hot days later when the power came back on.
During that time we had no true pictures of what our beloved city was going through, nor the coast, nor the surrounding parishes—just voices on the radio crying of the horror and soul-tearing destruction which Katrina had wrought.
When the power came back on, we began to get an idea, only an idea because pain like that, loss like that does not truly translate into camera shots, into sound bytes.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. is heart-tearing, mind-bending, for those who love the Gulf Coast, who love the Crescent City, because it is intensely, oh so intensely, personal.
There is something resilient, heroic, about folks who love their city taking brooms to hand to clear the banquettes; there is something life-affirming in reading of those same folks clearing the streets for emergency vehicles to pass through.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. takes us back to 1718, when New Orleans first began, yet to become the realization of insight, far sight, and a dream of an incredible port city. She is a dream carved out of the river lands; a vision birthed so long ago, held onto with desperation in the post-hurricane times despite intense heat, suffocating humidity, ravenous mosquitoes, and other things best left in dark corners and crevices unseen, but so visible after these storms.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. makes this catastrophe personal be it the missing fingers of Jesus behind the St. Luke Cathedral; sheets, or a mud filled sock, hanging suspended from a tree in Lakeview; the devastation of the 9th Ward; the wave-eaten town of Waveland on the Mississippi Gulf Coast—gone, just gone, pulverized by wind by the first eye wall; tidal surged and dragged out to sea by the heart of Katrina, pulling out every cell of the town.
Josh and a handful of others stayed—to witness, to tell the story of the heart of the Crescent City being bled by Katrina. They stayed, they survived to share the story—to take us to the warehouse that was filled with produce while people hungered in the Superdome; to that same warehouse as it blows sky high with its adjacent building, yet another victim of the post storm chaos.
It is Josh who baptizes himself in the muddied waters of the main water artery of this country, as he eases himself into the mighty Mississippi in a kind of spiritual joining.
Josh and those with him have lived in a place apart—lived in it, lived through it—and found parts of themselves that could survive it all, just as New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast has. He tells us a story of the city; of parishes and counties; of a coast ripped, blown, muddied, burned and gouged apart—that can only be brought together again with the massive effort, coordination, and cooperation that comes from joined hearts and minds.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. is intoxicating—and that has nothing to do with the liquor consumed in the aftermath of this city, town, and coast-eating event. Heart Like Water intoxicates because of its truth, its visceral reality. I could not but sip slowly from its pages; walking with Josh through the Quarter; aching in Lakeview; crying on the bridge looking down at the 9th Ward; venturing inside homes and lives shredded by this cataclysmic storm.
He gives us water, mud, and things we would rather had always stayed in the dark. He hands us soaked family pictures, unredeemable. He tears out our hearts with pieces of homes, of furniture, of jobs, of lives tangled in the wreckage of the pain of this unnecessary horror.
And yet he shows us, step by step, street by street, town by town, that we go on, despite life-eviscerating winds, home-gagging water, hollow promises made in our Jackson Square.
In shared meals, shared produce, rare frosted drinks, in a cell phone and a laptop charged here or there by the famous ‘kindness of strangers,’ he gives us the great truth, that we go on, we can go on.
Indeed, we must go on.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. reminds us that homes, towns, cities are not the buildings, but the people; that they are the dreams, the resilience, the determination of those same people.
It makes us understand why so many post-war European cities were rebuilt stone-for-stone.
We are the world we make; the world we preserve, rebuild, hold dear.
Josh Clark has given us a great, great gift in the pages of
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. Sip it slowly, page by page, day by day—coming up from under the ravages of wind and water to remember who the people of the Gulf Coast are—can do people—born and raised here in this mud —who, while we may have hearts like everyone else’s made mostly of water, the rest is the pure gold of love of place.
Come to New Orleans, to the Gulf Coast with Josh through the pages of
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
—it will be a journey you will never forget. And then follow the lead he gives you, and help us help the Crescent City, the wetlands, the Gulf Coast—understand what you personally have to lose if we lose our wetlands, the port, and the coast we hold so dear.
America's Wetland.
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
Levees.
Louisiana Speaks.
K.A.R.E.S.: Katrina Arts Relief and Emergency Support.
Collateral Damage: Very Young Iraqi Girls Forced into Prostitution to Survive. Remy Benoit
From The Daily Nightly and Richard Engel at MSNBC In Syria, Girls March As Timebomb Ticks.
If you are tired of all the denial about so much involved in all this, try this Lee Iacocca: Where Have All the Leaders Gone? and then do something.
From Isaiah J. Poole at Tom Paine Debate, But Not Obstruction.
Perspectives on current situations. Remy Benoit
From John Graham. of the Giraffe Heroes Project. at The Washington Post The Mess We Left Behind.
From the AP at MSNBC World refugee numbers rise, bolstered by Iraqis
Report: Number grew by nearly 2 million and is at highest level since 2001.
From the New York Times at Truthout Overprivileged Executive.
From Andrew Taylor, the AP, at Truthout Senate Panel Cuts off Funds to Cheney.
From Arianna Huffington at the Huffington Post Democrats Can't Wait Around for GOP Defectors to End the War.
From the AP at Military.com Iraq Report Points to Limited Progress.
From the AP at Military.com Head of Marines Sees Vietnam Parallels.
From The Voice of America Former US Surgeon General Complains of Political Pressure.
From E.A. Torriero, Chicago Tribune, at The Los Angeles Times Security chief warns of terrorist attack
Michael Chertoff cites a 'gut feeling' that Al Qaeda could strike. Summer 'seems to be appealing to them,' he says.
Right Web: Exposing the architecture of power that is changing our world. Where were his "gut" feelings when it came to Katrina?
From Just Foreign Policy: Iraqi Deaths Due to U.S. Invasion. These numbers are terrible.
From Anne Flaherty, the AP, at Truthout Snowe Embraces Troop Withdrawal Bill.
Joshua Clark: Heart Like Water. Remy Benoit
See a video of Joshua Clark speaking about Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone
If you are in the New Orleans area, come out to the signings below:
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Garden District Book Shop
2727 Prytania
SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2 - 4pm
Barnes & Noble Westbank
Westbank Expressway @ Manhattan
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 3 - 6 pm
Molly's at the Market
1107 Decatur, featuring the music of Jack Fine and friends,
complimentary Abita and New Orleans Rum.
And once again, my review of this book you must not miss:
Louisiana is about life: a rich, full, raucous, outrageous will to life, claiming itself no matter what.
Here, about fifty miles north of New Orleans, it was 5:45 in morning when the power went down. It would be 5:45 PM, eighteen very long, very hard, very hot days later when the power came back on.
During that time we had no true pictures of what our beloved city was going through, nor the coast, nor the surrounding parishes—just voices on the radio crying of the horror and soul-tearing destruction which Katrina had wrought.
When the power came back on, we began to get an idea, only an idea because pain like that, loss like that does not truly translate into camera shots, into sound bytes.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. is heart-tearing, mind-bending, for those who love the Gulf Coast, who love the Crescent City, because it is intensely, oh so intensely, personal.
There is something resilient, heroic, about folks who love their city taking brooms to hand to clear the banquettes; there is something life-affirming in reading of those same folks clearing the streets for emergency vehicles to pass through.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. takes us back to 1718, when New Orleans first began, yet to become the realization of insight, far sight, and a dream of an incredible port city. She is a dream carved out of the river lands; a vision birthed so long ago, held onto with desperation in the post-hurricane times despite intense heat, suffocating humidity, ravenous mosquitoes, and other things best left in dark corners and crevices unseen, but so visible after these storms.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. makes this catastrophe personal be it the missing fingers of Jesus behind the St. Luke Cathedral; sheets, or a mud filled sock, hanging suspended from a tree in Lakeview; the devastation of the 9th Ward; the wave-eaten town of Waveland on the Mississippi Gulf Coast—gone, just gone, pulverized by wind by the first eye wall; tidal surged and dragged out to sea by the heart of Katrina, pulling out every cell of the town.
Josh and a handful of others stayed—to witness, to tell the story of the heart of the Crescent City being bled by Katrina. They stayed, they survived to share the story—to take us to the warehouse that was filled with produce while people hungered in the Superdome; to that same warehouse as it blows sky high with its adjacent building, yet another victim of the post storm chaos.
It is Josh who baptizes himself in the muddied waters of the main water artery of this country, as he eases himself into the mighty Mississippi in a kind of spiritual joining.
Josh and those with him have lived in a place apart—lived in it, lived through it—and found parts of themselves that could survive it all, just as New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast has. He tells us a story of the city; of parishes and counties; of a coast ripped, blown, muddied, burned and gouged apart—that can only be brought together again with the massive effort, coordination, and cooperation that comes from joined hearts and minds.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. is intoxicating—and that has nothing to do with the liquor consumed in the aftermath of this city, town, and coast-eating event. Heart Like Water intoxicates because of its truth, its visceral reality. I could not but sip slowly from its pages; walking with Josh through the Quarter; aching in Lakeview; crying on the bridge looking down at the 9th Ward; venturing inside homes and lives shredded by this cataclysmic storm.
He gives us water, mud, and things we would rather had always stayed in the dark. He hands us soaked family pictures, unredeemable. He tears out our hearts with pieces of homes, of furniture, of jobs, of lives tangled in the wreckage of the pain of this unnecessary horror.
And yet he shows us, step by step, street by street, town by town, that we go on, despite life-eviscerating winds, home-gagging water, hollow promises made in our Jackson Square.
In shared meals, shared produce, rare frosted drinks, in a cell phone and a laptop charged here or there by the famous ‘kindness of strangers,’ he gives us the great truth, that we go on, we can go on.
Indeed, we must go on.
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water. reminds us that homes, towns, cities are not the buildings, but the people; that they are the dreams, the resilience, the determination of those same people.
It makes us understand why so many post-war European cities were rebuilt stone-for-stone.
We are the world we make; the world we preserve, rebuild, hold dear.
Josh Clark has given us a great, great gift in the pages of
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. Sip it slowly, page by page, day by day—coming up from under the ravages of wind and water to remember who the people of the Gulf Coast are—can do people—born and raised here in this mud —who, while we may have hearts like everyone else’s made mostly of water, the rest is the pure gold of love of place.
Come to New Orleans, to the Gulf Coast with Josh through the pages of
Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water:Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
—it will be a journey you will never forget. And then follow the lead he gives you, and help us help the Crescent City, the wetlands, the Gulf Coast—understand what you personally have to lose if we lose our wetlands, the port, and the coast we hold so dear.
America's Wetland.
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
Levees.
Louisiana Speaks.
K.A.R.E.S.: Katrina Arts Relief and Emergency Support.
Telling it like it is - should be - might be?. Remy Benoit
From Brian Naylor at NPR Senate GOP Blocks Military Leave Proposal. This is how much they care about those they are deploying. Contact your Senator and Demand the right thing.
From Dan Schorr at NPR Reading a Letter From the Front: A Soldier in Iraq.
From NPR Back from Iraq.
From Chris Hedges and Laila al-Arian,The Nation at Truthout The Other War: Iraq Vets Bear Witness.
Iraqi Instability. Remy Benoit
From Bob Woodward, The Washington Post, at MSNBC CIA said Iraq instability seemed ‘irreversible’
Hayden painted bleaker picture than Bush to Iraq Study Group.
From MSNBC Bush sees ‘cause for optimism’ in Iraq
White House report cites success on 8 goals, failure on 8, mixed effort on 2.
From the AP at MSNBC Bush admits administration leaked CIA name
President hopes to move past furor over Libby sentence commutation.
From Elizabeth Sullivan and The Cleveland Plain Dealer Bush will let Iraq keep drifting.
From Ret.Gen. William Odom, Nieman Watchdog, at Truthout "Supporting the Troops" Means Withdrawing Them.
From Maureen Dowd, The New York Times, at Truthout History as an Alibi.
Michael Chertoff's "Gut". Remy Benoit
Thank you, Keith, for reminding Mr. Chertoff that Louisiana is not a city.
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, and MSNBC Special Comment: Gutless.
House Votes Iraq Deadline. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC House votes to pull troops out after Iraq report
White House report cites success on 8 goals, failure on 8, mixed effort on 2.
What comes next?. Remy Benoit
From Michael Hirsh, Newsweek, at MSNBC Moving Right Along While Republicans abandon him at home, the rest of the world is preparing for the era beyond Bush. What the next president should do to repair the breach between Washington and the world.
From John Nichols at The Nation Bush's Royal Edict: Don't Cooperate With Congress.
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Why Bush's Balanced Assessment of Iraq is Utterly Unbalanced.
From Shaila Dewan, The New York Times, at Truthout
Road to New Life After Katrina Is Closed to Many.
And while tours are extended, while the same troops are called back again, and again, from Tom Philpott at Military.com Bigger Military Raise, Better Benefits Hit. are strongly opposed by the Administration. Who is looking who in the eye?
From Bob Geiger, The Huffington Post, at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Republicans Kill Senator Webb's roop-Protection Amendment.
From Senator Patty Murray at Veterans for Common Sense Victory: Wounded Warrior Bill, S 1606, Passes Senate 94-0.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout We're All Gonna Die.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Misreading Iraq, Again.
Al Gore: Live Earth Pledge. Remy Benoit
Changes Coming. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC New GOP measure challenges Bush Iraq policy
Lugar, Warner draft bill requiring president to narrow mission of U.S. troops. Lugar/Warner don't seem to see things as hopeful as Mr. Bush.
Tonight on Billy Moyers Jounral Tough Talk on Impeachment. Join Bill Moyers, Bruce Fein, and John Nichols tonight.
They are talking, and talking, and talking. Remy Benoit
From Peter Baker, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Despite talk, Iraq shift unlikely anytime soon
Bush holds commanding position — and votes — in showdown over war. If courage is, indeed, showing up, no matter how great the fear, then it is the soldiers who are showing it, not those representing them. Where are the Statesmen?
And please, do not drag out Henry Kissinger again.
From the AP at CNN Russia withdraws from arms treaty.
From the New York Times at the Houston Chronicle American troops raid Iraqi police, capture lieutenant
U.S. commanders say they had come under fire at police checkpoint.
A Letter From the IAVA A Letter from IAVA To The Editors of The Nation.
Charles Knight at Common Dreams After Iraq, Pakistan? Is Worrying About Pakistani Nukes Serving To Keep Us In Iraq?.
From George Jahn, the AP, at Truthout Iran Agrees to UN Nuclear Inspection.
Now that the issues are at last being discussed, it is up to the American people to decide; who are we; what are we doing; and who do we want doing it in our names.
Bill Moyers Journal, PBS Tough Talk on Impeachment.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the Reuters at MSNBC Police: Bombs kill dozens in northern Iraqi city
More than 100 others wounded in Kirkuk; U.S. raids suspected safe house. While you are at the site, do look into their series, "Impact of the Iraq War."
From CNN White House snubs GOP Iraq plan.
From Winslow Wheeler at Military.com Grading on a Curve for the Wrong Test.
From Ned Parker, The Los Angels Times, at Veterans for Common Sense Saudi Arabians Account for Half of Insurgents in Iraq.
Ewen MacAskill and Julian Borger of The Guardian, UK, at Truthout Cheney Pushes Bush to Act on Iran.
"Gut " Feelings. Remy Benoit
From Frank Rich, The New York Times, at Truthout Don't Laugh at Michael Chertoff.
Reservist Help Iraqi Children. Remy Benoit
In this midst of all this horror, there is kindness.
From Laura T. Coffey at MSNBC, Part I of 5 Part 1: From executive suite to Baghdad’s slums
Reactivated Army reservist starts charity to help impoverished Iraqi kids.
Iraq - War, destruction, loving. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung and Thomas E. Ricks, at MSNBC What will happen in Iraq after U.S. goes?
Debate grows on impact of troop reduction or pullout.
From MSNBC Journal: Getting ready for ‘very dangerous job’.
It continues to continue. Remy Benoit
From Laura T. Coffey at MSNBC Part III Part 3: Venturing ‘outside the wire’ in Baghdad
Frustrations abound, but Deierlein’s unit finds a way to make a difference.
Meanwhile, the Senate puts in some hours...is that to make up for the incredible numbers of days off the Congress took last year? From the AP at MSNBC Senate nears end to all-night Iraq debate
Lawmakers spar over redeployment proposals; critics call move ‘nonsense’.
From Arianna Huffington Join Us for a Live Chat on Ending the War in Iraq.
From Tom Turnipseed at Common Dreams George Bush and Lindsey Graham Push the Power of the President and Generals Over People and Troops.
From John Nichols at The Nation Harry Reid Finally Starts to Fight Smart.
A New York Times Editorial The Politics of Fear.
From Brad Knickerbocker, The Christian Science Monitor at Truthout Silent Surge in Contractor "Armies". We need to decide that these 'armies' need to be under the control of the people, before they control the people. And, of course, since the people working for the contractors are in a legal limbo, getting help for physical, mental, and spiritual injuries is difficult - there is help with that here American Contractors in Iraq.
FEMA doesn't do it, again - Nicholson resigns top post at VA. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Millions owed to contractors in New Orleans
Delays in federal payment could discourage bidders and slow city rebuilding.
From the IAVA IAVA Responds to VA Secretary Nicholson's Resignation.
Perhaps someone else, somewhere else, who is not getting the job done should follow his lead?
Why is Chertoff still where he is?
Homeland Security means "preserving" and "protecting" the Homeland...ask anyone on the Gulf Coast about that.
>br>
The Costs of War. Remy Benoit
From Matt Kelley, USA Today Largest Iraq contract rife with errors.
From Ward Reilly at The Baltimore Chronicle and Sentinel An Occupation of Iraq is Not Ours to Choose.
From Caroline Arnold at Common Dreams Habeas Corpus: A Defense Against The Dark Arts.
From Reuters AlertNet and Ruth Gidley Aid agencies seen taking sides in Iraq.
From Ray McGovern at Consortium News Bush's Wooden-headedness Kills: President George W. Bush is convinced, in the face of all evidence to the contrary, that he is on the right course in the war in Iraq and the struggle against terrorism. He says he will not change his mind.
From CNN U.S. and Coalition Casualties.
From The National Priorites Project Cost of Iraq War.
From Just Foreign Policy If Congress Represented Public Opinion, We'd Have a Veto-Proof Withdrawal Plan.
From Just Foreign Policy Petition Against War with Iran.
From Just Foreign Policy Estimated Deaths of Iraqi People.
Perhaps it is time that before we accept the coming of a war, we demand facts - we demand time to sort through them - and we do not give anyone too much power. That is why our system is designed with Checks and Balances. When it comes to seeing that they are enforced, and protected, we are the Deciders.
Petraeus. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Petraeus, Crocker to address lawmakers on Iraq
White House pushing for more time for its troop ‘surge’ strategy.
Homeland Security. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNB September slides into November General needs until November to assess Iraq Odierno tells lawmaker it’s too soon to gauge the impact of troop ‘surge’.
From Senator Robert Byrd at The Huffington Post My Letter to President Bush.
From Arianna Huffington In the Name of Objectivity, Media Clouds the Reality of Terror Report.
From Susan Schmidt, The Washington Post, at MSNB On the trail of an ‘enemy combatant’
Details emerge on Marri’s alleged role in ‘second wave’ of al-Qaeda attacks.
From Andy Stern at The Huffington Post Privatizing the War on Terror: Endangering the Homefront.
From Spencer S. Hsu, The Washington Post at MSNBC FEMA lawyers nixed trailer tests for toxicity
Lawmakers reveal e-mails suggesting litigation concerns after Katrina. Doesn't it make you feel good seeing how much your government cares?
From CNN Iraq parliament at full strength just in time for vacation.
From Norman Solomon at Common Dreams From the Grave, a Senator Exposes Bloody Hands on Capitol Hill.
William Prince: Wayne L. Morse: A Political Maverick.
Mike Gravel: Citizen Power: A People's Platform.
Bio: Mike Gravel. Remember those Pentagon Papers. Where is the media today? Where are the facts; where is the news? Real patriots act! Like this one Morrow: Goodnight and Good Luck. Speaking of which, join Keith Olbermann Comment: Go to Iraq and fight, Mr. President.
From Timothy Garton Ash, The Los Angeles Times, an Editorial Iraq hasn't even begun
Consequences from the disaster we could have avoided will plague the world long into the future.
From Marjorie Cohn at Common Dreams Iraqis Will Be the Deciders.
From CBS at Truthout What Should Congress Do About Iraq War Funding?
A Populist Perspective. Remy Benoit
For alternative ways of looking at things, join Jim Hightower at "The opposite of courage is not cowardice, it's conformity." -- Jim Hightower.
From Jim Hightower at AlterNet Can You Believe This War Is Still Going On?.
Senator Mike Gravel to Harry Reid. Remy Benoit
Open Letter to Harry Reid and Senate Dems: Stop Showboating. at The Huffington Post.
Temporary Transfer of Power. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush cedes power to VP during colonoscopy
Cheney temporarily in charge; screening procedure described as routine.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: After the Wrecking Ball.
From Katherine Shrader and AP at Truthout Bush Alters Rules for CIA Interrogations.
From William Glaberson, the New York Times, at Truthout Court Tells US to Reveal Data on Detainees at Guantánamo.
From Rick Perlstein at Tome Paine
"When Infrastructure Attacks!!". We need a new CCC and a new WPA. If those terms are unknown to you, visit Roosevelt's Tree Army A Brief History of the Civilian Conservation Corps. and More About the WPA.
From You Tube Mike Gravel.
From Dan Eggen and Amy Goldstein, The Washington Post at Truthout Broader Privilege Claimed In Firings.
From Mary Ellen Marino at The Times, NJ Act on impeachment, now.
From Reuters at Truthout Pentagon Extends Iraq Tours for 2,200 Marines.
From Brian Braiker, Newsweek, at MSNBC ‘Access of Evil’
A controversial liberal radio reporter argues that the mainstream U.S. media are becoming corrupted because journalists are too close to those in power.
VA Must Pay Agent Orange Victims. Remy Benoit
From News Max Court: VA Must Pay Agent Orange Victims.
From Henry Weinstein, the Los Angeles Times VA rebuked for balking on Agent Orange care
A court says the agency must provide benefits to Vietnam veterans with a type of leukemia.
Feed the Children. Remy Benoit
While billions of dollars are missing in Iraq, children here and around the world are going hungry. You can help with that. It won't even cost you anything but a click a day. Nice way to start the day! It is how I start mine each day. Feeding the hungry is good homeland security.
Secrecy, Spins, Dogma, and Delay Tactics. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Kosseff at The Oregonian DeFazio asks, but he's denied access Classified info - The congressman wanted to see government plans for after a terror attack.
A New York Times Editorial at Truthout Twilight Zone Filibusters.
From Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post, at AlterNet In the Name of Objectivity, the Media Clouds the Reality of Terror Report.
From Bill Scher at Tom Paine
The Ideas Primary Comes To YearlyKos.
From Christopher Bauchli at Common Dreams A Column for the Masses. One of the comments to this article mentions the Church 'burning women of wisdom.' Take a walk Down History Lane with me for one of the most despicable documents ever perpetrated on women - "The Witches' Hammer" - Malleus Maleficarum of Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger. There is all kinds of cruelty in the world - the most dangerous is cruelty with intent and institutionalized. Then there is personal cruelty; someone reaching for power through someone else's pain. We expect compassion from religious leaders - we often get the opposite; bias, bigotry, and intolerance. Another person who comments on the above article mentions that the Pope was in opposition to attacking Iraq and asks what might have happened if he had taken himself to Baghdad and taken up residence there. Would Mr. Bush have bombed the Pope? Would Papal action, at a very personal level, have made a difference? Again, again, again - where are the real statesman - where have all the real leaders gone? Or, were there ever really any? Your comments are welcome.
If you are a person who believes in the power of unconditional love to heal, I invite you to try any of my books which are just a click away here.
Including an old song here by a favorite of mine - Conway Twitty - Join me at You Tube for This Time I've Hurt Her More Than She Loves Me. How many does this song speak to at a relationship level; at a treatment of the soul, the earth, level? This man, this truly, uniquely, American jewel, says it so amazingly well Willie Nelson You were always on my mind. Get to those little things - do them today - at a personal level - at a global level - and watch the results of all those fluttering butterfly wings of change.
For an interesting perspective on how we split into self-convinced sects on even the most simple spiritual notion, visit with P.M. Rodriguez at History of Thankyouism.
The Universe is breathtakingly diverse - why then do we wish all who dwell hereon to conform? Why do we relentlessly seek power over when power with holds our salvation as a planet?
Just a few thoughts for Sunday.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Diplomacy?. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC New round of U.S.-Iran talks on Iraq to be held
Iraqi foreign minister confirms two nations will meet Tuesday in Baghdad.
From Reuters at Yahoo News UK's Brown won't rule out military action in Iran.
From Voice of America 17 Killed in String of Baghdad Car Bombings.
From Richard A. Serrano at The Los Angles Times Senator calls for censure against Bush Feingold says the measures aim at 'misconduct' of the war and 'attack' on laws, but top Senate leaders predict the effort will fail.
Secretary Gates. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post The Secretary of Defense Breaks with the President on Sanitizing the War. If you click on the "watch the clip" 3 screens will come up. Click on close for the bottom two after they load. Secretary Gates comes about 2/3 of the way into the top screen's video. His words tremble with the reality of KIA for your country.
Candidates. Remy Benoit
From CNN Questions, not answers, highlight YouTube debate.
What are your questions for the candidates; your concerns?
Call them, e-mail them, write to them - it is your voice they must listen to, unless, of course, you don't use it.
Is there a weakened levee in your area; a bridge that needs repair? Tell them - ask them what they are going to do about it.
Do you disagree with our current foreign policy; are you opposed to a war with Iran; do you think more diplomacy should be used? Tell them - ask them what they intend to do about it.
Do you believe there is a better way to fight a war on terror? Do you believe there is a way to end terrorism? Tell them about it.
The strength of a democracy is in the strength and voices of its people. Show the candidates that you believe that our Constitution with its Bill of Rights must be preserved.
If you believe that there is an imbalance in the Balance of Power set up by our Constitution; if you believe there is an attempt at a usurpation of power - tell them, tell your Senators, tell your Representatives about it and demand that they tell you what they are going to do about it.
If you have ideas about real Homeland Security, share those ideas.
We are the People - it is not only our right, it is our responsibility.
Do You Need a Few Moments Away from It All?. Remy Benoit
Ron Roth is an author - a spiritual healer. This is a meditation from his site. If today weighs too heavily on you, join these people who may be able to lift some of that burden.
Ron Roth: Celebrating Life Ministries.
Ron has many books that you might find helpful.
His biography is here A Brief Biography of Ron Roth.
Court Decision - Veterans - Agent Orange - Treatment. Remy Benoit
Same tales, still without endings. Remy Benoit
From Ann Scott Tyson, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Service civilians and the wounds of war
Many fill vital roles in Iraq, but medical care can be spotty.
From CNN Bush defends Iraq war, details threat from al Qaeda.
From Medea Benjamin at Common Dreams Congressman John Conyers Betrays the American People.
From Peter Baker, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Disfavor for Bush hits rare heights
In modern era, only Nixon scored worse, and only Truman was down so long.
From Melanie Sloan at The San Francisco Chronicle Congress must reassert the balance of powers.
From Lara Jakes Jordan, the AP, at Truthout Special Prosecutor Weighed for Gonzales.
From Brad Kinckerbocker, The Christian Science Monitor at Truthout Controversy Erupts Over Endangered Species Act.
Proper Respect Must Be Shown. Remy Benoit
From William Yardley, The New York Times, at Truthout On Army Base, a Plea to Give Each Death Its Due.
Important PTSD Manual. Remy Benoit
A Short Overview of PTSD and the Disability Process.
Don't miss this part - Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Compensation and Pension Examinations.
Vet Groups Sue VA. Remy Benoit
From Matthew B. Stannard, The San Francisco Chronicle at Veterans for Common Sense Veterans' Rights Groups Including VCS Sue VA, Seeking Better Care for Injured Troops.
Maintaining Constitutional Balances. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times at Truthout Defying the Imperial Presidency.
Panel Call for Wide Ranging Changes in Veteran Care . Remy Benoit
From CNN Panel calls for wide-ranging changes in veterans care.
Call the White House and Congress and demand the changes not be put on hold but done with certainty, efficiency, and now!
Before August Recess. Remy Benoit
The soldiers are not getting next month off, but Congress is.
From the AP at MSNBC Senate OKs security bill linked to 9/11 panel
Provisions include more cash to high-risk states, tighter cargo screening.
From CNN FBI director appears to contradict Gonzales' testimony.
And a walk Down History Lane with Congresswoman Barbara Jordan who once graced those halls not only with her powerful presence, but with her integrity. Thirty-Three Years Later: A Statement on the Articles of Impeachment.
From NPR, Andrea Seabrook, at Veterans for Common Sense Veterans Suing for Better PTSD Care Share Anguish. Listen at The Impact of War Veterans Suing for Better PTSD Care Share Anguish.
Joe Galloway: There's No Vacation for Our Troops in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Newspapers, at Truthout There's No Vacation for Our Troops in Iraq.
Arming Iraqi Residents, and more. Remy Benoit
From Ann Scott Tyson, The Washington Post, at MSNBC U.S. widens push to use armed Iraqi residents
Irregulars to patrol own neighborhoods.
From Jamie Tarabay at NPR U.S.-Sunni Alliance Sparks Outrage in Iraq.
From Bernie Sanders at Common Dreams ‘Open Access’ Essential To Media Reform.
From Rosa Brooks at the Los Angeles Times Dark powers, the sequel
The president's recent executive order allows the CIA to detain anyone the agency thinks is a terrorist -- or a terrorist's kid.
From Dave Lindorff at Common Dreams Martial Law Threat is Real.
From Rosa Brooks at the Los Angeles Times A really bad case of 'reality' Once just an administration fantasy, a powerful Al Qaeda in Iraq fueled by Islamic extremism has become the world's nightmare.
From the UPI at Truthout Michael Moore Says He's Been Served.
From Anne Flaherty, the AP, at My Way
Murtha Pushes New Troop Withdrawal Plan.
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution at Truthout Bush Asserts a King's Prerogative.
From The New York Times at Truthout Defying the Imperial Presidency.
From Jason Leopold and Matt Renner at Truthout Exclusive | Emails Detail RNC Voter Suppression in Five States.
From The New York Times at Truthout FEMA Runs for Cover.
Veterans at the VA. Remy Benoit
From Ira Katz, Department of Veterans Affairs at Veterans for Common Sense Walking Wounded: Quarter Million U.S. Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Treated at VA Hospitals.
Saudi Arms Deal. Remy Benoit
From David S. Cloud, The New York Times. at Truthout US Set to Offer Huge Arms Deal to Saudi Arabia.
Down History Lane: Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania (1768). Remy Benoit
Today we use the Internet - we blog - we e-mail information to each other - we go to alternative media sites because the MSM so fails to report, to use real investigative journalism.
We ache for real news - not gossip - not what celeb is doing what to whom, or, indeed, to themselves.
Once upon a time, yes, right here in this country, people shared ideas is open correspondence - in Letters of Correspondence. Our history is full of them, and they are precious jewels that we must remove the dust from, learn from, and, indeed, carry on the tradition of.
Today, let's take a walk Down History Lane with Eighteenth Century Reading Room Item of the Day: Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania (1768).
Our history is rich - learn it - and please, appreciate all the sacrifices made to give it to you, and defend them with all your heart.
"The People's Attorney": The Life of Louis D. Brandeis, 1856-1941.
Prayer Wheel. Remy Benoit
We live in deeply troubled times - when haven't we?
Yet, more and more studies indicate that there truly is enormous power in prayer.
This site explains how a Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel works, and offers you the opportunity to turn your computer into a prayer wheel. The site has been up awhile, so the computers will literally be "spinning" it much more quickly now.
Just click where they tell you and save it to your drive.
It is true that we become what we think about - watch your thoughts today and send smiles and love out instead of fear and pain.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Iraq, continues. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Tempers flare between Iraqi, U.S. officials
Iraq prime minister reportedly wants Petraeus replaced for arming Sunnis.
The remnants of war go on, and on, and on. From Reuters at CNN WWII flying bomb found in London.
John Nichols: A Commitment to the Constitution. Remy Benoit
From John Nichols, The Nation, The Center for Constitutional Rights, Human Rights Watch, and MoveOn A Commitment to the Constitution.
Iraqis in Crisis. Remy Benoit
A friend who is serving there told me at 2PM the other day, the temperature was 143, a number that is truly difficult to even begin to understand even here deep on the Gulf Coast.
From the AP at MSNBC Relief groups say nearly 1/3 of Iraqis need aid
Agencies say crisis depriving some 8 million people of water, food, shelter.
From Amitabh Pal, The Progressive, at Common Dreams Bush Administration Utterly Callous Toward Iraqi Refugees.
From Human Rights Watch EU Should Fill Leadership Void on Human Rights
Human Rights Watch Launches World Report 2007 on Guantanamo Anniversary.
From the AP at Military.com Republicans Seek New Approach to War.
From Military.com Blogs.
From Khody Akhavi. Inter Press Service, at Truthout A Blurry Line Between Propaganda and News.
Editorial: Care for Our Veterans: A Shameful Situation. Remy Benoit
From News Leader (Shanandoah Valley, Virginia) at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial: Care for our Veterans: A Shameful Situation.
Truth or Consequences. Remy Benoit
From Hope Yen, the AP, at Yahoo News Leahy: Gonzales must clarify statements.
From Walter Mondale, The Washington Post, at Truthout Answering to No One.
Is Your Levee Going to Hold?. Remy Benoit
Visit with Levees.org. watch the video and take the appropriate action.
Don't depend on D.C. - on FEMA - depend on yourself and also demand that the right work be done the right way.
Joshua Clark can remind of what horror happens when levees don't function properly in Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone. My review is there, please read that, and then definitely read Josh's heart tearing account of the power of wind and water to eat lives.
Keep in mind - contractors on a large scale in this area have not yet been paid as promised for their post-Katrina cleanups - where do you think they will be if there is a next one here?
This is a national disgrace - levees, bridges, roads not properly maintained. Check out your area and demand action before a catastrophe.
No, it is not just the Gulf Coast California Levee Risk Now and in the Future: Identifying Research and Tool Development Needs.
If you know of a problem in your area, let me know and I will post it here to help you spread the word.
Keep pushing for proper work being done when and how it should be. It is your country - it needs your voice. You are the PEOPLE.
Iraqi Parliament Takes a Break for August. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Lawmakers take break ahead of 'surge' report
Iraq's parliament has yet to pass key U.S.-backed laws.
So with their Constitution making it illegal to meet in August, they are off until September 4 while the dying goes on.
Our Congress is also scheduled for a recess.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News
The NYT's New Pro-War Propaganda.
Costs of Corruption in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Aram Roston and Lisa Myers at MSNBC Untouchable’ corruption in Iraq ministries
Report partially faults PM’s office, says Health Ministry in ‘grip’ of militants.
The Verities of War. Remy Benoit
This is a very disturbing piece - but it is war. Perhaps we need to face what war is, does, and continues to do.
From Reuters IRAQ: Anisah Kaseb, Iraq, "Violence has destroyed my family".
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
From Arianna Huffington Blowing Off the PR Pixie Dust While Waiting for Petraeus.
VA Suicide Hotline Activated. Remy Benoit
From the VA at Veterans for Common Sense VA Activates Suicide Hotline: (800) 273 - TALK.
Victims of war in their own homes. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Child abuse rises when dad is away at war
Mothers are twice as likely to physically hurt kids, government study finds.
The National Military Family Association.
Do, when it is all too much, ask for help.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Fuel tanker blast kills at least 50 in Baghdad
60 more wounded hours after separate car bomb kills 17 civilians.
From R.J Hillhouse at The Nation Outsourcing Intelligence.
From Andrew Grice at The Belfast Telegraph Britain will take troops out of Iraq regardless of US, says PM.
Iraq For Sale. Remy Benoit
If you haven't seen this documentary, it is your responsibility as a citizen to do so. It is currently on the premium channels, or you can help its producers and purchase it at Iraq for Sale.
After you have watched it, call your Congressman, your Senator, and ask why this war profiteering is permitted to go on when it endangers our troops and costs you billions in wasted tax dollars.
From Corp Watch Goodbye Houston: An Alternative Annual Report on Halliburton.
The Struggle for our Balance of Power. Remy Benoit
From Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball and Newsweek at MSNBC Behind the Surveillance Debate
A federal judge's secret ruling restricting the intelligence community's surveillance powers helped spur a Capitol Hill bid to grant Bush new authority.
From CNN White House invokes executive privilege for Rove in attorney firings.
From Jeremy Scahill at The Guardian UK, Truthout A Very Private War
There are 48,000 ’security contractors’ in Iraq, working for private companies growing rich on the back of US policy. But can it be a good thing to have so many mercenaries operating without any democratic control? Again, watch Iraq for Sale, Please see previous article.
From John Nichols at The Nation "The President Cannot Ignore an Impeachment"
From Marianne Williamson at Truthout A New Order of The Ages.
Backtracking on Promises for Katrina Recovery. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Report: Little progress on Katrina contracts
In some cases, Bush administration backtracked on pledge to rectify errors.
It is August, the second August since Katrina, and from now until mid-September we are in the height of hurricane season.
All that has not been done says so very much to the concern of the government for the people here, and anywhere else in the country who is watching this not unfold.
Where is the money, the attention going?
Here is one place. From Derrick Jackson at The Boston Globe The $63 billion sham.
Josh Silver speaks to the demise of the free press at The Huffington Post Murdoch: Bad for Journalism, Bad for Democracy.
From Scott Ritter at Truthdig A Call to Service.
Naomi Wolfe asks an important question - What country is this? From the Huffington Post Time for a Democracy Movement.
From Glenn W. Smith at Truthout Congress, Bush and the Real Constitutional Crisis.
Spreading the war against terrorism. Remy Benoit
From The Chicago Tribune Obama: If Pakistan doesn't hit Al Qaeda, U.S. must
Strike unless ally acts, Clinton agrees; Biden, Dodd critical.
Who supports.does not support the troops?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC House votes to guarantee GIs get Iraq breaks
Bush has vowed to veto Dem effort on time home between deployments. Lest we forget, "the troops" are real men and women with physical, mental, and spiritual limitations - and with families.
Caring for our Veterans: We Must Do Better Than This. Remy Benoit
From Kiley Miller Hawke Eye, Burlington, Iowa at Veterans for Common Sense Disabled Iraq War Veteran Waits One Year for VA Disability Benefits.
From KMOV-TV-4 St. Louis, Missouri at Veterans for Common Sense Army Veteran in Pain Refused Emergency Care at VA Hospital for Nine Hours.
These Veterans were out there fighting for democracy and for the protection of our Constitution. From Marc Ash at Truthout Law or Lawlessness.
Your donations to WHS help me keep you informed. Just click on donations - and thank you so much!
War Fronts. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Senate votes to expand eavesdropping power
Bill matches what Bush requested; Democratic version fails in House.
From Sudarsan Raghavan, The Washington Post, at MSNBC U.S. commanders offering large sums to enlist their former enemies.
From John Nichols at Capital Times John Nichols: Baldwin joins impeachment call.
From the AP at Military.com Bush Signs Anti-Terror Bill.
From Military.com Transition Center.
From Steven R. Hurst, the AP, at Truthout Water Taps Run Dry in Baghdad.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Power failing. Remy Benoit
We just spent the last 4 hours here without power in the the August heat because of something, somewhere that went amuck. It was uncomfortable - not so long, not so intrusive as it was for weeks in the aftermath of Katrina.
The temperatures are quite high in Iraq, although a different kind of heat that ours in the Southland. I understand it was close to 95 in Philadelphia today which is usually quite uncomfortable in the summer too.
From the AP at MSNBC Iraq’s national electricity grid nearing collapse Residents ‘fed up’ as power, water become increasingly scarce. In hot temperatures, with out relief, without water, tempers flair and the hardships, the anger, only increase. Not good for our troops - not good for the Iraqi people.
Will debate it after vacation. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC House approves $460 billion Pentagon budget
Dems trim Bush budget request, gear up for contentious debate after recess.
After August - September - November - how many more months? How many more lives?
While they are on vacation, keep letting Congress know your position on what they should be doing on all subjects.
War does not take a vacation. While the troops serve longer tours, we need to be there for them.
From Rod Nordland and Babak Dehghanpisheh, Newsweek, at MSNBC Surge of Suicide Bombers
The Iraq war has turned into a veritable 'martyr' factory, unlike any seen in previous conflicts.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Time: Hurricane Katrina - Two Years Later. Remy Benoit
Michael Grunwald - The Threatening Storm.
Shame on us - this is a vital port city.
Who's next to be the forgotten city; the forgotten coast; the improperly maintained bridge, dam, levee? What happened to a country that used to pull together? Your oil, your gas, your seafood and a hundred other things come through here! Wake up, America - homeland security includes maintaining the homeland.
Where Have All the Weapons Gone?. Remy Benoit
from Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Weapons given to Iraq are missing 30 percent of arms are unaccounted for, GAO estimates.
From CNN Suicide truck blast kills 28 in northern Iraq.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Bush’s Executive Order on Lebanon Even Worse than the One on Iraq.
From James Risen, The New York Times at Truthout Bush Signs Law Widening Reach for Wiretapping.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Charles E. Anderson: Dispatches From the Other America. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Dispatches From the Other America.
Do join Mr. Anderson at Charles Anderson. He has some important topics to discuss with you concerning the war and his service as a Corpsman.
Another medic, from another war, also has addressed problems from when he served - problems that are still ongoing. Many of these problems were there when my dad was a medic back in the "Big One." Harry Kieninger - When Can We Come Home: Understanding the Viet Nam Veteran.
And again, again, again - if you are suffering with PTSD you need to read Dr. Ed Ticks Ed Tick - War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Join Dr. Ed at Sanctuary. There is much healing to be done. Let it begin with you.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Heat!. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC U.N.: 2007 seeing record extreme weather
Scientists say global land surface temperatures likely warmest since 1880.
Russ Feingold. Remy Benoit
From Frederic J. Frommer, the AP, at Truthout Feingold Introduces Resolutions Censuring Bush, Others.
Jerry Wennstrom - Mike Gravel. Remy Benoit
Wednesday, August 8th A live interview with artist Jerry Wennstrom that you can listen to by clicking Jerry Wennstrom. - 11:00AM-12:00PM Pacific Time.
Jerry's exquisite art is an expression of the spiritual path manifested through his dedication to following it, with total surrender, to wherever it goes. You may view his work at Hands of Alchemy. I cannot recommend his new DVD In The Hands of Alchemy. highly enough. My review of his work which is explained in this DVD will be available soon.
Jerry's work is tied to nature and the spiritual; to the flow of life, in all its aspects - even to bringing the dark into the light - to caring for the beautiful planet on which we have been gifted with life - to care of the soul.
And speaking of caring for the planet, Mike Gravel was interviewed for Grist by Amanda Griscom Little Gravel on the Record An interview with Mike Gravel about his presidential platform on energy and the environment. For those of you not old enough to remember, Mike, with Daniel Ellsberg, brought us The Pentagon Papers, concerning Vietnam.
He is a worthy Presidential candidate: a muckraker of the first order, who likes to challenge those who are settled in with fixed ideas that things are the way they are and cannot be changed, moved forward, or made planet friendly.
The planet is ours; the life we are given filled with choices; the path we choose must be the one that will bring out the true self for each of us and it is that true self which will help care for the planet - it must, we are an integral part of it.
Read what Mike Gravel has to say about our use, and abuse, of energy.
Watch Jerry's DVD and learn about how to harness your own energy, your own power, by choosing the path you were meant to. You may read my review of The Inspired Heart: An Artist's Journey of Transformation by Jerry Wennstrom. here at The Niquahanam Project where you are most welcome, indeed, encouraged, to share your views just as you are here.
You will find more of Jerry's writing, as well as that of many others with a vision for our future at Mythic Passages: The Magazine of Imagination.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
NY Times: Fear of Fear Itself. Remy Benoit
The Fear of Fear Itself The New York Times Editorial. at Truthout.
From The Washington Post, Karen DeYoung and Thomas E. Ricks As British Leave, Basra Deteriorates
Violence Rises in Shiite City Once Called a Success Story.
From The Washington Post, Gian P. Gentile at Truthout In the Middle of a Civil War.
From Senator Russ Feingold at Common Dreams Lessons Not Learned.
From R. B. Stuart at The New York Sun Veterans’ Rare Cancers Raise Fears of Toxic Battlefields.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
General Wes Clark: Speech. Remy Benoit
General Wesley Clark's Keynote Speech at Yearly Kos 2007.
Click and download speech.
Charles E. Anderson - Part 2. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Struggling for Resources: Life in the 9th Ward.
Go! AFL-CIO. Remy Benoit
Thanks to the AFL-CIO for sponsoring the debates tonight - we are a UNION proud country - the rights of labor were and are hard fought for and must be protected.
Look for the Union Label. Go ahead, click on the MP3 and give it a listen. My Granny was a member of the ILG!
If you don't know the hardship of labor history - start learning here:
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
The Homestead and Pullman Strikes.
WE cannot give up labor or Constitutional Rights that have been so hard fought for - we simply cannot do that.
The Triangle Factory Fire.
AFL-CIO.
Impeachment: On the Table, Or Not?. Remy Benoit
From Rick Perlstein at Tom Paine
Passing thoughts on a topic of the moment. Mr. Perlstein is trying to open a dialogue on impeachment pros and cons. Share your position if you like here or at Tom Paine.
Some suggest that the Democrats are incapable of taking a truly strong position on anything. Any thoughts on that one?
This is your country - it needs you to speak up for it and its Constitution.
FEMA Investigates "Toxic" Trailers - Minnesota Bridge. Remy Benoit
From Alex Johnson at MSNBC FEMA suspends use, sales of ‘toxic’ trailers
Residents can get refund, new housing while agency tests for formaldehyde.
From CNN Report: Bridge inspectors raised concerns beginning in 1996.
We have some real priorities problems concerning the infrastructure of our nation. There is only one person who can change that - You - as one of the collective voice of The People which must stand up for what is right.
Congress is on vacation while people are getting sick in trailers; while the war rages on; while our Veterans go without proper care; while weapons disappear; while bridges collapse. Be sure they have lots of mail when they come back into session - everything from wire tapping to massive accountability. If you truly hold some truths as self-evident then you must constantly tend to them.
From Charles E. Anderson - Part 3 at Truthout A Window Seat to Disaster.
From Michelle Krupa, The Times Picayune more serious water pumping problems from New Orleans S&WB: 'We cannot juggle anymore'(Sewage and Water Board. Water problems in Baghdad; water problems here - something is not being done properly!
From Elana Schor at The Hill Wiretap Bill Roils Liberal Base.
From Sally Buzbee, the AP at Yahoo News U.S. troop deaths up after drop in July.
>
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at CNN Taliban stages brazen attack on U.S. base.
Harry Shearer: Suggested Homework for Dem Committee Chairmen. Remy Benoit
At the Huffington Post Harry Shearer: Suggested Homework for Dem Committee Chairmen.
You can visit with us here, courtesy of Joshua Clark and Podcasts...hear our stories in our voices.
Katrina, Heart Like Water, Louisiana in Words, French Quarter Fiction.
From Charles E. Anderson - Part 4 - at Truthout In the Business of Hope.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
The Invasion of the LEGO Man!. Remy Benoit
From Sonia Legg and Reuters Mystery of LEGO invasion.
Iraq/ Home Infrastructure/Iran. Remy Benoit
From Sudarsan Raghavan, The Washington Post, at MSNBC U.S. troops navigate fault lines of sect and tribe
‘So many different enemies’ confront Americans in Iraq. Do keep in mind as we endure this extreme heat here, that it is 10-20 degrees, at least, hotter there.
From Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation A New New Deal.
From Spencer S. Hsu, The Washington Post, at Truthout States Feel Left Out of Disaster Planning.
From Alexandra Bahou and Anna Schecte, ABC News at Truthout Administration Fights Dem Plan to Boost School Aid for Vets.
From Charles E. Anderson - Part 5 - at Truthout Forgotten but Not Gone: Buras, Louisiana.
From Peter Baker, The Washington Post at Truthout President Weighing Corporate Tax Cuts.
From Jim Hightower PUSHING FOR SHARED PROSPERITY. Business For a Fair Minimum Wage.
Midwest Populist Party: Making America Safe for Democracy.
From Tara Lohan AlterNet How We Can Take the Constitution Back From the Brink.
Perhaps it is time to sit down and read your Constitution again - and to protect it.
From Warren P. Strobel, John Walcott and Nancy A. Youssef, the McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout Cheney Urging Military Strikes on Iran.
You can visit with us here, courtesy of Joshua Clark and Podcasts...hear our stories in our voices.
Katrina, Heart Like Water, Louisiana in Words, French Quarter Fiction.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Draft?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com War Adviser Considers Military Draft.
From Sudarsan Raghavan, The Washington Post, at Truthout "In the Land of the Blood Feuds".
From the AP at MSNBC Bomb kills Iraqi provincial governor, top cop
Qadisiyah politician, police chief killed following funeral for tribal sheik.
John Dean: The So-Called Protect America Act. Remy Benoit
From John Dean at Find Law The So-Called Protect America Act: Why Its Sweeping Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Pose Not Only a Civil Liberties Threat, But a Greater Danger As Well.
Down History Lane - Iraq -1943. Remy Benoit
From Malcolm Jones, Newsweek, at MSNBC The Army Knew Iraq … About 60 Years Ago
A War Department handbook published in 1943 stressed that respect for a people and their culture was a key to victory.
NPR All Things Considered Advice to WWII Soldiers in Iraq Relevant Today.
From NPR Excerpt: 'Instructions for American Servicemen in Iraq During World War II'.
Instructions for American Servicemen in Iraq during World War II.
Iraq - Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 5 American soldiers killed south of Baghdad 4 killed in single strike that wounded 4 others during combat operations.
From CNN Four soldiers killed in Afghan fighting.
From Evan Thomas and John Barry, Newsweek, at MSNBC A New Way of War
How do you stop foes who kill with devices built for the price of a pizza? Maybe the question is, can you stop them?.
From the AP at MSNBC Contractors accused of firing on civilians, GIs Huge private force operates in Iraq with little supervision or accountability.
From Steve Fainaru, The Washington Post, at Truthout US Pays Millions In Cost Overruns For Security in Iraq.
From Frida Berrigan at Foreign Policy in Focus Candidates on the Pentagon.
From Matt Stearns of the McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout Bush, Congress Could Collide on Iran.
We have heard a lot of talk, talk, talk from all the candidates - same old, same old posturing, etc - perhaps it is time to demand that they actually do something - even if they are on vacation while these wars rage on, the market wobbles, the housing market is on stand still, New Orleans is losing its water supply - bridges fail - global warming continues - I could sit here all day and list things in need of attention.
As Dr. Einstein once said, 'you cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.'
We need new thinking, and since the candidates of all parties cannot seem to do that on their own, it is you they need to write to them, call them, e-mail them with thinking outside of the box of D.C. politics.
Go for it - it is your country. Do you really want these wars to go on indefinitely as the candidates are outlining? Do you really want to engage Iran, Pakistan? The war on terror must be met with diplomacy also - not just fighting - or it will go on forever, ever increasing, ever becoming more deadly.
From Just Foreign Policy If Congress Represented Public Opinion, We'd Have a Veto-Proof Withdrawal Plan. Check out how the people in your state feel. Who is listening to them?
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Iraq and Afghanistan War Casualties Hit 66,998 - Including 4,077 Killed.
From Darryl E. Owens Homeless Veterans - A Hidden Crisis. Who among the candidates is listening to our Veterans? Who at breakfast tables across America is listening to our Veterans? If it isn't you, change that to change what is happening to them. It is simply not right, morally, politically, spiritually, any way, to make Veterans and not care for them.
That buck stops at the White House and Congress - it begins its passage with you. Pick it up and do what is right.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
If you want to understand the impact of war on all the lives it touches, do order a copy of my Loving which will bring that home to you.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Deborah Morese-Kahn: A Measure of Who We Are. Remy Benoit
From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Deborah Morse-Kahn A measure of who we are.
Rove Resigns. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Karl Rove to leave White House at month's end
Bush's close friend, chief political strategist is latest senior official to resign.
Helen Thomas: Yet Again, The Democrats Roll Over . Remy Benoit
From Helen Thomas, the Hearst Newspapers, at the Seattle Post Intelligencer Yet again, the Democrats roll over.
From Find Law U.S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment.
Contractors. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill at the NYC Indypendent Media Center The Mercenary Revolution: Flush with Profits from the Iraq War, Military Contractors See a World of Business Opportunities.
Bruce Fein on Impeachment - and much more. Remy Benoit
Bruce Fein is a Constitutional Lawyer - Chairman of the American Freedom Agenda - at the San Francisco Chronicle Pelosi needs to put impeachment on the table.
From Bruce Kutter at The American Prospect First Gonzales, then Bush Impeachment should be a serious option -- with an intermediary step.
From Iraq today - over the last two days we have lost ten soldiers - from MSNBC Death toll soars to 175 in Iraq suicide bombings
Blasts that injured at least 200 targeted small Kurdish religious sect.
From the AP at Military.com Extended Iraq Rotations to Continue.
From Truthdig Matthew Rothschild - You Have No Rights.
From Nat Parry at Consortium News
Congress's Orwellian Compromise.
From Boston.com Sen. Leahy says Rove leaving the White House under a cloud.
From Jonathan Alter, Newsweek, at Truthout I Know What You Did Last Summer.
From General Wes Clark and Kal Raustiala, WesPack, the New York Times Why Terrorists Aren’t Soldiers.
There is so very much out there of such disturbing consequences. Perhaps it is good to remember that people are also living life on a daily basis, although also perhaps, the news would not be so disturbing if more people in this democracy took an active role in its care taking. Be that as it is, join me for the reasons we in Louisiana so love this place at Louisiana in Words. and at French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia. Also, do join our much loved and respected editor for those two anthologies, Joshua Clark, for his eye-witness account of what happened to our beloved Gulf Coast when Katrina came. Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
We are coming into the peak of hurricane season - depressions may be forming about the Caribbean, in the Atlantic; Flossie (at CNN) Flossie whips across Hawaii after small earthquake. Be aware, when these storms come the responsibility for being prepared rests with you - just as does the welfare of your country. FEMA trailers are not long term answers - if anything, perhaps producers of long term problems. From Mike Brunker at MSNBC Are FEMA trailers ‘toxic tin cans’?
Private testing finds high levels of formaldehyde; residents report illnesses.
Your responsibility is not just in gathering bottled water - it is in knowing evacuation routes, in securing property, making sure you have the proper medicines, papers, etc. Your responsibility to the democracy at large is the ever present 'eternal vigilance' - your voice and your vote. The 4th Amendment is under grave concern; what about the 1st, the 2nd, etc? Are they next?
Remember tonight, when you turn out the light, things are not as they should be at the VA; there are long waiting lists for treatment for our Veterans; and there are, on the streets of your, and the country they fought for, over 250,000 Veterans homeless - no light to turn out; no covers to pull up - no hope.
What jobs await you in the morning - none too big, if you take the first steps to tending to them.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
The War Goes on while Congress/President on Vacation. Remy Benoit
From Robin Wright, The Washington Post at MSNBC U.S. to move on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Administration will designate group as ‘global terrorist’.
Is this a prelude to yet another Bush war?
From Warren P. Strobel, John Walcott, and Nancy A. Youssef, The McClatchy Newspapers at Veterans for Common Sense Cheney Urging Strikes on Iran.
This would be a very major move - something the American people need to look at very carefully without just jumping on yet another bandwagon. It would have serious ramifications, indeed, for generations. It would also probably mean a need for a great influx of soldiers - that might necessitate the draft that officials are saying yes, no, maybe, on the table to. Think before you jump on this one.
If you have a cell phone that you are not using, why not send it on to a soldier? Locations of Drop Offs for Cell Phones for Soldiers.
A Reality Check on the Travesty of Health Care Costs. Remy Benoit
From Mike Stuckey at MSNBC When staying alive means going bankrupt
Health insurance didn’t keep cancer-stricken California woman solvent.
Don't you think we can do better than this both for civilians and Veterans? We really need to rethink an awful lot of things.
Dan Rather: The Trouble With Touch Screens. Remy Benoit
The Trouble with Touch Screens.
A must see!
The Debate Goes on While the Bombings Continue. Remy Benoit
From Jonathan Weisman and Karen DeYoung, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Early clash over Iraq report
Specifics at issue as deadline approaches for Petraeus report.
From the AP at Truthout Army Suicides Highest in 26 Years.
Down History Lane with Senator James Webb, April 6, 1986 Viet Vets Didn't Kill Babies, and They Aren't Suicidal.
From the VVAA ( Australia ) Massive Suicide Rate for Vietnam Veterans’ Children
Media Release - 7 August 2000.
Another View What is a Vietnam Veteran?
From Leo Shane III at Stars and Stripes Researchers: Alcohol misuse, divorce rates higher among returning troops.
From PTSD Support and USA Today Services Soldiers Divorce Rates Up.
From CNN Iraqi women: Prostituting ourselves to feed our children.
From the AP at Truthout Rumsfeld Resignation Letter Omits "Iraq".
From The New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Amateur Hour on Iran.
War is ugly - when will we get that? Face it - deal with it - and change it?
BTW - if you haven't seen the movie, A Prairie Home Companion it is quite enjoyable. Treat yourself. From Garrison Keillor at The Chicago Tribune at Common Dreams Good Riddance Turd Blossom. We must learn that real power is power with as a democracy calls for; it is not power over, nor mendacity, nor I am the only one that matters thinking. Take a canoe ride with Garrison and while you are doing that think about the housing market problems. From the AP at MSNBC New home construction slowest in decade
July data show builders still struggling with ongoing housing woes.
We have a lot of work to do. You can start with this petition Stop Breast Cancer for Life.
THIS IS FOR THE SOLDIERS. Remy Benoit
Now, they need you....this is a can do that you can do for them. THIS IS FOR THE SOLDIERS.
Move out...get on it...do it, now!
4000 and counting. Remy Benoit
From CNN Coalition death toll in Iraq hits 4,000. Of those, 3702 are U.S. military KIA.
From CNN U.S. & Coalition Casualties. Take the time to honor them and then do everything you can to support the troops coming home with jobs, with health care, with mental health care, with readjustments.
Be there.
Education in Iraq - Yet Another Casualty of War. Remy Benoit
The young ones are off to school already down here - colleges start in a few weeks here - the following article gives us some things to think about.
From Zvika Krieger Newsweek International at MSNBC Iraq's Endangered Schools Teaching has become a dangerous, often fatal, occupation in war-torn Iraq, where higher education is the latest casualty.
American Freedom Campaign. Remy Benoit
Encourage the Candidates to sign the American Freedom Pledge.
S. 713, The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007l. Remy Benoit
From Washington Watch, please check into this and leave your comments S. 713, The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007
S. 713 would ensure dignity in care for members of the Armed Forces recovering from injuries. Senator Mary Landrieu of LA is a co-sponsor of this bill. Where does your Senator stand?
To Have and Have Not. Remy Benoit
Please visit with P.M. Rodriguez at The Ruricolist: The rich and the healthy. for some thought provoking comment on what it means to 'have and have not.'
Hurricane Dean: Take this seriously. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Dean strengthens as it whips across Caribbean
Winds rise to 150 mph; storm likely to turn into Category 5; 3 deaths so far.
Your front line of defense is YOU. This is not a time for emotion - it is a time for clear, rational preparation and/or evacuation. You have seen what happened here - what is still not happening here.
Use your head - your heart can slowly mend from losses, but not unless you are still alive.
Exit of the Surge?. Remy Benoit
From Lisa Burgess, Stars and Stripes at Military.com 'Surge' Units Set to Exit Iraq.
Mark Lilla: the Politics of God. Remy Benoit
From Mark Lilla, Professor of Humanities at Columbia University at the New York Times Magazine The Politics of God.
When a Loved One Returns from War. Remy Benoit
From Allison Samuels, Newsweek, at MSNBC ‘Living In America’ Our correspondent recounts the anxiety, fatigue and joy of having a loved one return from war.
"The War as We Saw It". Remy Benoit
From Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray and Jeremy A. Murphy, The New York Times at Truthout The War As We Saw It.
Our prayers are with all in service, in war zones.
Tonight the people of the Caribbean Islands will face Dean head on - they too need your prayers. From CNN Hurricane Dean hits Jamaican coast.
Nazi Documents Being Released to Museum. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Nazi documents promised to U.S., Israel
Copies of Gestapo papers, concentration camp records going to museums.
Watching Dean. Remy Benoit
When Dean moved into the Gulf, we tightened up, knots in stomach, quickened nerve endings - memories, constant reminders of Katrina all around us two years later, yes even here with us having huge trees down, new growth just coming out on others so battered - we were the lucky ones - no damage to the home - no looking at the slab where the house used to stand - no fetching up family pictures out of muck and well, unmentionables.
The Gulf Coast still has huge problems that it seems will go on for a long, long time yet.
Dean is moving to Mexico, leaving destruction in its path - there were major, destructive storms north of us here having nothing to do with the hurricane. Our prayers are with them, with those being impacted by Dean.
Rick Perlstein at Tom Paine has some thoughts on national attention to any area of the country suffering from catastrophe. With levees, bridges, and roads across the country in need of repair, perhaps his thoughts will make you consider the old idea of there but for the grace of God go I.
You might also consider insisting in your own area that things that need tending to are taken care of. Use your voice - we need a collective voice demanding care of the homeland infrastructure.
Katrina: On The Question Of Patriotism.
Senator Leahy: 'contempt of a valid order of the Congress". Remy Benoit
From Think Progress at Truthout Leahy: Cheney Told GOP-Led Congress It Was "Not Allowed to Issue Subpoenas".
Iraq and Security. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Military seems set on cutting Iraq combat role Move in 2008 would include increased training of Iraqi forces.
From James Carroll at The Boston Globe Questions for Hillary Clinton.
View from/at 9/11. Remy Benoit
From Klaus Marre, The Hill, at Truthout Petraeus Likely to Testify on 9/11 Anniversary.
From the AP at MSNBC CIA didn’t do enough to stop 9/11, report finds
Agency watchdog says officials lacked comprehensive plan to stop al-Qaida.
Iraq and more. Remy Benoit
From the AP and MSNBC Helicopter crashes in Iraq, killing 14 soldiers
U.S. says no sign of hostile fire; al-Maliki hits back at American criticism.
From CNN Bush to invoke Vietnam in arguing against Iraq pullout.
From NPR and Robert Siegel Scanning History for Analogies to Iraq War.
From David Morgan at Reuters U.S. foreign policy experts oppose Bush's surge.
VA Hospital in New Orleans?. Remy Benoit
From Jan Moller at The Times Picayune and NOLA VA decides to put hospital in N.O.
Pending environmental assessment later in the year, but let's go for this and take care of our Veterans!
From Angus Lind at The Times Picayune, NOLA His Salute to History.
Joshua Clark: Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
Join us for Louisiana in Words.
And do order your signed copy of my Loving today - also set in our beloved New Orleans! War as those involved with it know it.
Tribute to the Troops. Remy Benoit
On the Military Channel, Saturday, August 25the, 9PM Central...Tribute to the Troops.
Also, the Military Channel wishes to have you send tributes to loved ones lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tributes to the Troops.
From NPR and Howard Berkes Grief Camp Helps Children Cope with War Losses.
Jim Zenner: My Dream. Remy Benoit
To be held in the arms of love.
To be comforted by my God and His Spirit.
To pray and to be patient for the answers.
To love and to be loved.
To be the light of one candle to keep the darkness away.
To have knowledge of my transgressors
and to forgive them and let God handle the rest.
To be comforted by my dreams and use them as given by God for an emotional bank account.
To keep knowing that I can't be killed because I live in the heart of God.
To relax and be held in the arms of love.
To never fear!
Charles A. Stevenson: The Power to End War. Remy Benoit
From Charles A. Stevenson at The Boston Globe The power to end war.
Looking for a New Mythology?. Remy Benoit
The Mythic Imagination Institute offers fresh perspectives and mythology - pass some time with the good folks there! Mythic Passages: the Magazine of Imagination.
Start to bring them home by Christmas. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Warner: Begin troop withdrawal by Christmas
GOP senator says move will send a warning to Iraq that time is running out.
Pace to Urge Troop Cuts?. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC Report: Gen. Pace may urge troop cut in Iraq
Paper: Joint Chiefs fear war has hurt ability to respond to other threats.
For a look a truly personal diplomacy, we can learn from a twelve year old - From Kathy Kelly at Common Dreams We Shouldn’t Be Causing This.
Staying the Course?. Remy Benoit
From Michael Abramowitz at The Washington Post, MSNBC No big shifts planned after report on Iraq
Despite mixed signs of progress, White House senses political cover.
From Leila Fadel, Baghdad Observer, the McClatchy Newspapers The Changing Language of War.
From the AP at MSNBC Pentagon to start 24-hour Iraq info desk
Office to distribute data ahead of military progress report due in Sept.
From Joe Galloway McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Bush's rationale for Iraq war keeps changing.
From James Glanz & Stephen Farrell, the New York Times, at Common Dreams More Iraqis Said to Flee Since Troop Increase.
From Thomas D. Williams and JP Briggs II, Ph.D. at Truthout Fringe Evangelicals Distort US Military Policy.
As the articles above make clear, there are many, many sides to the issues of war, and thus, before one is launched, there are all these things to be considered. Hyperbole has no place in reporting - truth has a major place. Some things to consider here from Move On AN OPEN LETTER.
From Tina Susman - The Los Angeles Times at Truthout GIs' Morale Dips As Iraq War Drags On.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Liberation of Paris. Remy Benoit
Let's take a walk Down History Lane Liberation of Paris.
If you don't know this movie; if you truly believe how one man can change history, this is an absolutely don't miss Is Paris Burning?
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Execution Site. Remy Benoit
From CNN Execution, body dumping site found south of Baghdad.
From Charlie Savage at The Boston Globe Military cites risk of abuse by CIA New Bush rules on detainees stir concern.
From Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III at Truthout Unilateral Foreign Policy or Unitary Executive; Both Undermine Democracy.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Fact Sheets. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Releases Iraq and Afghanistan War Casualty Fact Sheet.
Also from Paul Sullivan Read “Republic,” by Charles Sheehan-Miles, and Be Warned.
From Steven R. Hurst, the AP, at Truthout Iraq Body Count Running at Double Pace.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Please Help Get A Veterans Affairs Hospital for Rio Grande Valley. Remy Benoit
We need your signature - please help them get the care they need!
Veterans Affairs Hospital for Rio Grande Valley.
From Tom Philpott at Military.com Better Pay for Combat-Related Disabilities?.
From Carla McClain The Arizona Daily Star Cancer in Iraq vets raises possibility of toxic exposure.
From the Dayton Beach News Journal Online Depleted Uranium. Join Lonnie D. Story who is currently working on his next book, "Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story". Please take time for my review, Lest We Forget of his The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg .
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Katrina: Almost Two Years Later. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post at Truthout:
Douglas Brinkley: Reckless Abandonment and Peter Whoriskey: A Lonely Homecoming.
From the AP at MSNBC Old worries may still plague new New Orleans
2 years after Katrina, city still in ruins — and future may not be much better.
From the AP at MSNBC Miss. towns torn on rebuilding or reinventing
Coastal areas have blank canvas, but lack both funds and shared vision.
There is something seriously wrong here if we cannot rebuild our own country. We need to think about all the things we are not doing - and their long range consequences.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Fires, A Resignation, and Quick Ship. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC Winds fan flames as Greek blazes enter 4th day
Ancient site of Olympia nearly destroyed; at least 61 people killed. This is the home of our Western democracy. Athens is a beautiful city. I found the Greek people open hearted, warm, and kind.
Our prayers and our sympathy go out to them.
Headline News at both MSNBC and CNN announcing Gonzales' resignation. Why did this take so long? Attorney General Gonzales resigns, officials say.Words truly fail me at the alleged choice of replacement.
From Josh White at The Washington Post Army’s ‘quick ship’ bonus proves popular
Recruits receive $20,000 if they agree to leave within days.
From David McFadden, AP, at Truthout Call at National Guard Conference for US Withdrawal From Iraq Greeted With Standing Ovation .
From Martin Griffith, AP at Common Dreams Protest To Meet Bush At Legion meeting.
From Elizabeth Sullivan at The Cleveland Plain Dealer The anti-leadership of a wartime president with blinders - Elizabeth Sullivan.
From Bill Brownstein at the Montreal Gazette Searing documentary on war complicity indicts not just U.S. politicos, but major media, too.
From CNN Iraq PM to U.S. lawmakers: Stay out of our politics.
From the AP at Military.com Iran Vows to Use Smart Bomb on Enemies.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
The Unlearned Lessons of Katrina. Remy Benoit
From A former reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, John McQuaid at Mother Jones Magazine Storm Warning: The Unlearned Lessons of Katrina.
You may read all three parts of the article at this site starting on August 28 and 29, the latter the second anniversary of Katrina.
Path of Destruction: The Devastation of New Orleans and the Coming Age of Superstorms by John McQuaid and Mark Schleifstein.
From John McQuaid at Mother Jones A Hundred Katrinas: Climate Change and the Threat to the U.S. Coast News: If you thought Katrina was the big one, wait till you see what's coming to your neighborhood.
From Walter Mosley at The Nation Shouting Underwater.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Protect the Right to Unionize!. Remy Benoit
If you have ever walked a picket line, I have, you know what solidarity means.
Union rights were hard won. We must stand up for them. We must manufacture in this country.
From Dean Baker at Truthout The Right to Unionize: Key to Democracy.
We are at war - let's go Down History Lane and ask, Where are the Dollar a Year Men?".
Where is Willow Run and the Arsenal of Democracy By Jenny Nolan The Detroit News.
Where is Higgins Memorial - Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Little Boat That Won WWII. Right here in N'Awlins!
The Rule of Law. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout Burning the Law in a Riot of Treason.
Iraq - Vietnam Analogy - Unlearned Lessons of Katrina Part 2. Remy Benoit
From Ret. Col. Jack Jacobs at MSNBC Bush wades into water over his head...again
We should not abandon Iraq, but Bush's argument is demonstrably false.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Rove converted politics into a blood sport.
From Glenn Greenwald, Salon, at Common Dreams The Democrats’ Responsibility In The Wake of Gonzales’ Resignation.
New York Times Editorial at Truthout The House Lawyer Departs.
From James Glanz and Eric Schmitt, The New York Times at Truthout Iraq Weapons Are a Focus of Criminal Investigations.
From John McQuaid at Mother Jones What the Dutch Can Teach Us About Weathering the Next Katrina.
From Rick Perlstein at Tom Paine
Katrina: A thousand words.
Campaign for America's Future.
Charles Sheehan-Miles - Republic: A Novel of America's Future.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Dr. John - Goin' Back to New Orleans. Remy Benoit
Tomorrow marks the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina...many, many things left undone.
Come on home...demand that home be rebuilt. We need businesses, we need the people who love this place to rebuild her.
From You Tube Dr. John - Goin' Back To New Orleans.
Sarkozy Opposed to Military Attack on Iran. Remy Benoit
From Angela Doland, the AP, at Truthout French President Cautions Against Attacking Iran in Standoff Over Tehran's Nuclear Program.
From Philippe Gélie, Le Figaro, at Truthout Dick Cheney, A Controversial Vice-President.
From Andrew O. Selsky, the AP, at San Diego Union - Tribune Army's top general concerned about strain of wars on National Guard and their families.
George McGovern and William R. Polk: Out of Iraq: A Practical Plan for Withdrawal Now.
Katrina: Two Years Later. Remy Benoit
From You Tube Willie Nelson and The Highwaymen: City Of New Orleans.
From Voices From the Gulf Voices from the Gulf.
Joshua Clark: Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone.
Join us for Louisiana In Words. and come on home!
From You Tube Billie Holiday & Louis Armstrong - do you know what it means to miss New Orleans.
Join us also for our award winning French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Stories of America's Oldest Bohemia.
Shiites Forced to Leave Karbala. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 1 million Shiite pilgrims forced to leave Karbala
Police abort religious celebration after clashes leave 51 dead, 247 wounded.
New Prosthetic Being Developed. Remy Benoit
From the AP at CNN New prosthetic may help dolphin, troops.
John McQuaid: Part 3 - Never Again: The Politics of Prevention. Remy Benoit
From John McQuaid at Mother Jones Never Again? The Politics of Preventing Another Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina 2007. Remy Benoit
Join us down here on the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Katrina 2007 Your Go-To Page Everything you need and need to know is right here.
Find out what you need to know with this extensive site!
Contact numbers for help are available here, as well as links to lots of organizations dealing with the aftermath of Katrina.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From Ed Pilkington, Guardian, UK at Truthout Bush Threatens to Confront Iran Over Alleged Support for Iraqi Insurgents.
Saber Rattling/Corporate Busting. Remy Benoit
From Glenn Greenwald, Salon, at Common Dreams The President’s Escalating War Rhetoric On Iran.
From Michael Marx and Marjorie Kelly at Yes
Who Will Rule?.
From Reuters at Truthout Bush to Request $50 Billion More for Iraq War: Report.
From Brian Gilmore at The Progressive Rats’ Alley.
From the AP at Military.com Little Progress Seen on Iraq Goals.
From the New York Times at Truthout A Sobering Census Report: Americans' Meager Income Gains.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Paul Sullivan: Iraq War Consequences. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan Executive Director Veterans for Common Sense at the Sarasota Herald Tribune Congressman Buchanan Faces Big Pressures Over Iraq: Defenders and opponents of the war work to enlist congressman.
From Charles Sheehan-Miles Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Sometimes we need to wake up and see what course our country is taking - it is time to wake up.
From Beyond Downing Street Don't Attack Iran Petition.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Report Conflicts. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC White House critical of GAO report on Iraq
Probe concludes there has been little political progress despite troop influx.
From Nancy A. Youssef, McClatchy Newspapers at truthout Pentagon Won't Make Surge Recommendation to Bush.
From Jimmy Breslin at Newsday Remove Bush over war lies.
An Hello from France. Remy Benoit
Merci.
This site, Daily Motion. came to me this morning in an e-mail from France. It is similar to You Tube.
The message is in reference to my posting of the music of Louis Armstrong, so I looked about the site that was sent and found this one with Robin Williams and Louis Armstrong for a trip Down History Lane: Good Morning, Vietnam - and Quel Monde Merveilleux.
One time enemies, now trade partners, a place to go back to to heal; for many a place to go back to to help. Makes you think, hopefully.
Again, Merci.
And while you are here, please help us protect our part of the world on the Gulf Coast. Tell Congress to Insist that the Promises made to rebuild the Gulf Coast are kept.
Saudis Less Trusting of US?. Remy Benoit
From Lt. Col. Rick Francona at MSNBC Saudis less trusting of America these days
Despite concerns, security of Saudi Arabia will continue to be a U.S. priority.
From Ray McGovern at Truthout Do We Have the Courage to Stop War With Iran?.
Perhaps this Labor Day Weekend we should put aside some time for concern for our future. The rights of labor were hard won; the rights of freedom must always be vigilantly protected.
From Patrick Cockburn, The Independent, UK Cholera spreads in Iraq as health services collapse.
From Robert F. Door at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Keep the Faith (to oneself) in our Military.
From Mother Jones Windfall: How Conservatives, Contractors, and Developers Cashed In on Katrina.
Your comments are welcome - it is your country.
Script or consequences?. Remy Benoit
From Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, at MSNBC Marketing the War September marks the media rollout for the next stage of the White House campaign to keep boots on the ground in Iraq. Will General Petraeus stick to the script?.
From Charles Sheehan-Miles Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Sometimes we need to wake up and see what course our country is taking - it is time to wake up.
From Beyond Downing Street Don't Attack Iran Petition.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Feel free to leave your comments here, at its sister site The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. or join Care2.
Goals may not be met until 2015. Remy Benoit
From Dana Hedgpeth, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Iraq far from meeting U.S. goals for energy
Despite billions spent on oil, electricity, demand may go unmet until 2015.
Voices in Wartime. Remy Benoit
This is a site to learn what war means.
This is a place to share your insight as to what war has meant to you.
Tell the truth; learn the truth; and consider the question as to why we are still so willing to sacrifice so many to the insatiable gods of war rather than work for a better way.
Consider the possibility that we do this because we separate us from them - both the soldiers we send and the enemy of the times. All are human - with human needs - more attention to those needs just might mean less war.
More accountability on the part of leaders, just might mean less war.
Some things to think about over that barbecue that so many have died, or been disabled, in wars to protect your right to, and enjoyment of.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Perhaps we can learn to think differently about war - perhaps we can learn to work for peace. Visit with Barbara Marx Hubbard and Conscious Evolution.
Write yourself home - write a solution to our country's problems. I can help you Gentle Editing.
Joshua Clark on Katrina Two Years Later. Remy Benoit
As Felix bears down on places ill prepared to deal with 165 mph winds, Josh's observations on Katrina here on the Gulf Coast are all the more important.
Heart Like Water is a book you do not want to miss. My review is at Amazon. For a signed copy, without postage costs Heart Like Water.
Thinking About New Orleans: Joshua Clark on Katrina's Second Anniversary.
Write yourself home - write a solution to our country's problems. I can help you Gentle Editing.
S 1606 in Jeopardy - Veterans Benefits. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze, Navy Times, at Veterans for Common Sense S 1606 In Jeopardy As Bush and Nicholson Oppose Increase in VA Funding.
We must understand that if we make Veterans we must take care of them. "Dropping into" Iraq for a surprise visit does not bring health care to Veterans. Funding the VA does that. Stand by our Veterans, and do work actively to find solutions that will permit not constantly making them.
It's about health care. Remy Benoit
This is the reality of health care in this country -this is not an endorsement of John Edwards, but I think people should see this video...
The costs of health care are out of control. For an ER visit for a kidney stone, my bill was over $4,000 - not an overnight, not an extended stay - just a few hours in the hospital.
We don't think about these costs until they impact on us personally. If you are being treated for cancer, the costs are outrageous.
Make the candidates listen - demand affordable health care for all of us - or demand candidates who will listen and act. I don't know about you, but I am truly tired of the same old same old. It is hard to believe that we cannot come up with better candidates with new ideas; ones who actually listen to us.
Something to Think About and Perhaps Share. Remy Benoit
What is it that you know you could share with, give to the world, that would help to solve its problems?
I would very much like to read your responses and post them if you wish.
I recommend that all the candidates read The Art of Power by Thich Nhat Hanh. If leaders worldwide functioned by the principles herein outlined, the world would be a much different place. Power with, rather than power over, could move the world with harmony rather than discordance.
If you do not know this author, his life story should empower and motivate you About Thich Nhat Hanh Parallax Press.
I also recommend Wayne W. Dyer's newest book Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao. Wouldn't it be good if West could meet East in open sharing rather than on blooded battlefields?
I would also like to direct your attention to P.M. Rodriguez' essay on philosophy at The Ruricolist.
From Mario Cuomo at the Los Angeles Times What the Constitution says about Iraq Congress and the courts must recommit to the legislative branch's sole authority to declare war.
From Andy Stern at The Huffington Post Restoring the Promise of the American Dream.
Write yourself home - write a solution to our country's problems. I can help you Gentle Editing.
Playing????. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann at MSNBC a Special Comment on conflicting comments by President Bush on "Staying the Course" and troops, maybe, when, reductions Special Comment Text after the jump....
From the AP at MSNBC Bush unlikely to cut troop levels significantly
Military advisors say current strategy working despite poor progress reports.
From the AP at Military.com Report: Iraq Police Must Be Scrapped.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: For Bush, bad news on every side.
From Anne Flaherty of the AP at Truthout GAO: Iraq Hasn't Met 11 of 18 Benchmarks.
From Ira Chernus at Common Dreams Bush PR Machine Works Myth and Magic on Iraq.
From Rob Thomas, Capitol Times, Madison, Wisconsin at Veterans for Common Sense Documentary Film Review: 'No End in Sight' - Essential Viewing About Iraq War Fiasco.
From Jon Soltz at The Huffington Post Partial Progress Towards Progress Towards Progress.
How do you do that - tell troops they might be coming home when there is something else in mind?
From Phillip Coorey at The Sydney Morning Herald We're kicking ass: Bush.
From Move On Help End Dick Cheney's Quagmire in Iraq.
War Illnesses. Remy Benoit
From Thomas D. Williams at Truthout War Illnesses Fester.
Wow - a couple ideas that make sense!. Remy Benoit
From Andi McDaniel at Ode Magazine Designing a better world.
From Mattlev also at Ode Magazine Project good makes choosing good simple.
Writing Yourself Home. Remy Benoit
Please join me at my blog at Care2 for some thoughts on Using History for Writing and Healing. I would so much like to see your comments on this.
Blessings,
Miz Remy
If you need gentle editing, you have come to the right place Gentle Editing.
Our Vets Need YOUR Voice. Remy Benoit
From the AP at CNN Senate Votes to Boost Vets Medical Care.
Perhaps We the People can get it across to the Congress and the Executive that it is just wrong, immoral, to make Veterans without taking care of them? That job is yours while they live, have lived and died and been horribly injured, on the sand, in the jungles, in the trenches with all their concomitant horrors.
Use your voice for our Veterans!
And if you know someone suffering from those horrors, from the verities of war, send them to Dr. Ed Tick and his terrific associates at Sanctuary.
for help.
Start Standing Down?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at CNN Study: U.S. should step back. The Petraeus Report comes on Monday.
Petraeus Report. Remy Benoit
From Michael Abramowitz and Karen DeYoung, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Petraeus previews report in letter to troops
General says Iraqi politics haven’t matched security gains.
A Thought for Sunday on Peace. Remy Benoit
This question requires an honest answer of us -
How do you treat - respond to yourself and your immediate and extended family?
How does that impact on how you view and treat the world?
Also, check out the movie, Man About Town. Might open a few eyes on what is really important.
From the AP at MSNBC Bush leaves APEC, braces for new Iraq battle
After visits to Iraq and Australia, he’ll take case to Congress, U.S. public.
Traumatic Brain Injury. Remy Benoit
From Marilynn Marchione, the AP at Comcast News Thousands of GIs Cope With Brain Damage.
Reports on Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Karen De Young, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Crocker’s appraisal may carry more weight
Ambassador represents second voice in Iraq report.
Iraq - Iran. Remy Benoit
The live questioning goes on, while the war goes on, while the dying and destruction go on for all sides.
From Gary Langer, ABC News at Truthout Iraqis Say Surge Is Not Working.
From the AP at MSNBC Petraeus: Partial Iraq troop exit possible in ’08
Top general tells Congress military goals of buildup met ‘in large measure’.
From Gen Wes Clark and Vote Vets Petition to Prevent War With Iran.
From Courtney E. Martin at The American Prospect
The Missing Measure of Our Outrage If most of us can agree the Iraq War is a colossal failure, why aren't we doing much about it?.
SEPTEMBER 15 Mass March in Washington DC! Gather at 12 noon at the White House.
This all rings so very familiar, doesn't it? We have been here before, and it is very hard to understand why we have allowed ourselves to be here again. There has to be a better way than feeding our young to the insatiable gods of war. What might happen if we worked as hard for diplomacy and reason as we do for war? What if we demanded the truth, not hype? What if we demanded that the BIG MEDIA allow more time for real in depth reporting instead of the who/what/who cares coverage of some celebrity who needs serious help? We get what we allow - we need to think about that.
From Tom Englehardt, Tom Dispatch, at Truthout Launching Brand Petraeus.
From CNN Seven U.S. troops die in Iraq vehicle accident.
From CNN Volunteers collect Baghdad's nameless dead.
If you are writing a book and you need Gentle Editing. you have come to the right place.
The long or the short run?. Remy Benoit
From Karen DeYoung and Thomas E. Ricks, The Washington Post, at MSNBC General’s long view could cut debate short
Petraeus, Crocker try to slow down Washington.
From the AP at Military.com Tension Surrounds Sept. 11 Anniversary.
From Nancy A. Youssef and Leila Fadel,
McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout What Crocker and Petraeus Didn't Say.
From Helen Fessenden, The Hill, at Truthout Senate Democrats Seek to Regroup Quickly on Surveillance Law Rewrite.
From Chris Weignat at The Huffington Post Open Letter To Speaker Pelosi And Majority Leader Reid.
If you are writing a book and need Gentle Editing. you have come to the right place.
VA 90% or 75%?. Remy Benoit
From Hope Yen, the AP, at Veterans for Common Sense
VA Caught Lying to Congress About How Long Veterans Wait to See Doctors.
Paul Rieckhoff: The Petraeus Report: This Is What We Waited For?. Remy Benoit
From Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA, at The Huffington Post The Petraeus Report: This Is What We Waited For?.
Alive Day: The Film. Remy Benoit
From James Gandolfini at HBO
HBO Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq From Executive Producer James Gandolfini
Premieres Sunday, September 9 at 10:30PM.
Petraeus. Remy Benoit
From Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks, The Washington Post at MSNBC Petraeus returns to war that is now his own
Whether he likes it or not, general has become a political player in Iraq.
It truly is up to you. Remy Benoit
This evening you heard President Bush, Senator Jack Reid's response to the speech, and John Edwards.
Each of them made their points.
The bottom line is that elected representatives, no matter how high the office, are supposed to not only lead, but to represent the will of the People.
You are the People; these are the contact addresses:
Do you want a decades long presence in Iraq; an immediate withdrawl; a timeline for withdrawl?
This is your responsibility - to use your voice.
How can you expect representatives to be responsible ( response able ) unless you let them know your wishes?
Tell them your view of the United States; your view on real homeland security; and your view concerning this war in Iraq.
Now is the time. You might mention to your feelings about extending war to Iran and Syria, which are possibilities.
How long?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy newpapers Commentary: Can't we do better than this?.
Charles Sheehan Miles: Republic: A Novel of America's Future.
Anti/Pro War Forces. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC War protesters, supporters converge in D.C.
Demonstrators calling for impeachment meet counterprotesters in rallies.
From Alexander Moody at CNN MoveOn.org moves from 'betray us' to 'betrayal of trust' ad. George Bush: A Betrayal of Trust.
From Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele Vanity Fair at Truthout The Spoils of War: Billions Over Baghdad.
From Bob Herbert, the New York Times, at Truthout The Nightmare Is Here.
If you are writing a book and need Gentle Editing. you have come to the right place.
Gates Urges Veto of Troop Rest. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Gates urges veto of troop-rest measure
More time between deployments would leave forces vulnerable, he says.
Re: New Orleans. Remy Benoit
From Jim Hightower BUSH’S NEW ORLEANS TAP DANCE.
Dunya Mikhail: The War Works Hard. Remy Benoit
From Morning Edition at NPR Dunya Mikhail: 'The War Works Hard'.
From CNN Blackwater security firm banned from Iraq.
From the AP at CNN France: Prepare for war over Iran.
And what about diplomacy - what about communication - sanctions - reason - why always destruction?
There is a massive credibility gap - is there a diplomat to step up, rather than just the young?
From Dana Priest and Anne Hull, The Washington Post, at Truthout Almost Home, But Facing More Delays at Walter Reed .
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Galloway commentary: Bush still refuses to admit he was wrong.
From Chris Adams at the McClatchy Newspapers VA studies: PTSD care inconsistent.
Teaching War. Remy Benoit
Teaching war in not easy, something I know from many years of experience doing it.
It is very difficult to make those who have never known the horrors and destruction of war relate to those things.
If that is part of the curriculum you are teaching, may I suggest Voices in Wartime Education Project.
Have you ever wondered if the action you were taking was the "right action?". Remy Benoit
If you have pondered that thought, may I suggest that you join Spiritual and Ceremonial Leader Ronda LaRue at Social Responsibility and "Right Action": An E-Dialogue. for some guidance on that problem. She has much to share with you. Do wander about her site - she is sharing much with you that you will find enlightening and helpful.
General Wes Clark: The Next War. Remy Benoit
From General Wes Clark and The Washington Post The Next War.
Justice, War, Lack of Adequate Care for Veterans, K'Ville. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Restoring American Justice.
From CNN Iran anger over French war warning.
From John Nichols at The Nation A Constitution to "Chain the Dogs of War".
Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson explained, "This system will not hurry us into war; it is calculated to guard against it. It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress; for the important part in declaring war is vested in the legislature at large."
From Tammie Smith Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia) at Veterans for Common Sense For Iraq War Veterans, Treatment Can Be A Challenge. I truly do not understand why we cannot see that if we send people to fight wars we should be there to take care of them when they come home. Why is that so hard to "get?"
I have raised some questions about our relationship to war and soldiers at my blog at Care2. Learning History.
From Aaron Glanz, Truthdig, at Veterans for Common Sense Bush and VA Letting Our Veterans Down - 'It's on Purpose'. Why should 600,000 Veterans be left waiting on their disability claims?
From Elana Schor at The Hill No rush for Mukasey confirmation hearing, say Dems.
From the AP at Military.com Dems to Wait on War Funding Debate.
From Mark Hemingway at NPRWhat Was Blackwater's Role in Iraq?.
A new TV show aired last night - K'Ville on Fox is supposedly a show about the plight of our beloved New Orleans, post- Katrina and the NOPD. Yes, there is pain in the lives of the people involved, as there truly is all around our city. Yes, there is crime as there would be in any city in a post-catastrophe situation. I have noted the crime/murder rate in Philadelphia is escalating. Philadelphia did not suffer Katrina, and it is heartbreaking to me personally having grown up there, taken the subway, the El, walked about the city only in the company of my best girlfriend, to see it become so plagued.
Is there some reason that people like to think of violence in the Big Easy - do they take some satisfaction in some tilted way from that?
But the thing is, the people of New Orleans, the people of the Gulf Coast are rebuilding, despite funds not be properly allocated; they are rebuilding when their lives have been shattered, their homes destroyed, their health destroyed.
K'Ville gives us a lot of very fast in your face, too fast to focus on, camera action which I find interesting in a place where intense heat and humidity makes life move slowly.
In the middle of the show I got a phone call concerning the music in the show. The caller questioned why, as New Orleans is the birth place of jazz, we were not hearing more of that instead of the incessant, irritating throb of what was being blasted at us. A good question.
I am not clear as to what the objective of this show is. If it is to show the difficulties of the NOPD post - Katrina then real life should provide more than enough material for scriptwriters. Blazing shootouts in the Quarters, insane, and dangerous, car chases are not the way of it, even if they excite audiences. Perhaps the writers could do New Orleans a favor and tell it like it is - that would generate real pathos for the situation, not a wrong view of our city.
I do give praise to the angst and pain portrayed by the main character, played by Anthony Anderson, Marlin Boulet. He has "been there" - spent six days in the water as a member of the NOPD trying to help folks; spent time trying to hold his family together through all of it. At one point, when he should move, his PTSD takes over and he freezes for a moment in the critical situation. This was well done, and should be a reminder that this can happen to soldiers too - and make us ask why soldiers, diagnosed with PTSD are being sent back into combat - dangers to not only themselves, but to others. Something there for us to consider.
So, K'Ville, I wish you well - I ask you to tell the real stories - that will get you the viewing audience without all the unnecessary glitz and noise. There is pain enough to be heard loud and clear. There is soul enough in the Big Easy that Louis Armstrong's voice is still singing it - for us, it is still a wonderful world and we will, despite promises not kept, make the Crescent City shine again - for we are - as the ad says - We are Louisiana - and Mississippi!
For another review of K'Ville from Maureen Ryan, The Watcher at the Chicago Tribune 'K-Ville' shines a compelling light on New Orleans.
Outside Green Zone - No Go Zone. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. halts civilian travel outside Green Zone
Embassy takes step as outrage builds over security firm shooting incident.
Jeremy Scahill: Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army.
From CNN U.S. halts civilian convoys in Iraq.
From Source Watch USA Blackwater USA.
If you are looking for Gentle Editing. you have come to the right place! Tell me about your writing project.
Senate on Rights?. Remy Benoit
From Tom Curry at MSNBC Restoring rights or hampering the war effort?
Senate heads for a do-over vote on enemy combatants.
From Thomas Ferraro, Reuters at Truthout Top Democrat Renews Call for White House Documents.
Jason Ryan and Theresa Cook, ABC News at Truthout US Spy Chief: 9/11 "Could Have Been Prevented".
Iraqi Leader Calls for End Blackwater Contract. Remy Benoit
From CNN Iraqi leader urges U.S. to cancel Blackwater contract.
Public Not Sharing Burden of Soldiers and Their Families. Remy Benoit
From Kari Huus at MSNBC War’s impact at home falls hard on relative few
Repeat deployments, extended tours add uncertainty to hardship of service.
Louisiana - The Road Home - Need Help?. Remy Benoit
Here is a place to go -
Auschwitz Photos Released Show "the banality of evil". Remy Benoit
This is what happens when hate is released.
From Neil A. Lewis at The New York Times In the Shadow of Horror, SS Guardians Frolic.
Testing Soldiers' Brains. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Army testing soldiers’ brains before deployment
Results may help doctors treat returning vets with traumatic brain injuries.
From the AP at MSNBC Equipment shortfalls hamper National Guard
Top Guard general says some units have less than half the gear they need.
From the AP at CNN Dan Rather sues CBS for $70 million.
From David Stout, the New York Times, at Truthout Senate Blocks Detainees' Rights Bill.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout I May Have Gone Insane.
War related. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post at MSNBC Blackwater in Iraq given wide latitude by U.S.
Security firm held ‘untouchable’ status under State Department’s watch.
Since when does a democracy need private armies?
From CNN Democrats' attempt to limit Iraq duty fails. We hear a whole lot about supporting the troops, but when it comes down to their health and welfare and Veteran care, well, the tune that is carried is quite discordant. We need to think about that; we need to speak out about that
Senate Votes to Repudiate MoveOn.org's Ad. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush: MoveOn.org ad on Petraeus 'disgusting'.
From Keith Olbermann, Countdown, MSNBC Olbermann to Bush: ‘Your hypocrisy is so vast’
A reaction to Thursday’s press conference: the president was the one who interjected Gen. Petraeus into the political dialogue in the first place. His Special Comment. Please, continue giving yours!
Ken Burns: WWII. Remy Benoit
POW-MIA Recognition Day. Remy Benoit
2007 National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Yom Kippur. Remy Benoit
Yom Kippur is a very significant holy day for those of the Jewish faith. It is a day of atonement.
Perhaps the world would be a better place if we took time to understand paths other than our own to the Creator.
For those of you celebrating this High Holy Day: May you be well recorded in the Book.
The Jewish Virtual Library: Yom Kippur.
For further insight into this faith, do visit Kabbalah Centre.
Paul Sullivan from Veterans for Common Sense. Remy Benoit
Gallipoli or Stalingrad: Congress Must End the Lost Iraq War.
Jeremy Scahill: Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Blackwater: Hired Guns, Above the Law.
Blackwater probes continue. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Feds probe Blackwater links to arms smuggling
Reports: Weapons linked to employees may have gone to terrorist groups.
What are your thoughts on private mercenary armies?
From Daniel Howden and Leonard Doyle at The Independent, UK Making a Killing: How Private Armies Became a $120 Billion Global Industry.
From the AP at Truthout US Resumes Blackwater Convoys in Iraq.
From Agence France-Presse at Truhout Long-Term US Iraq Bill to be 25 Billion Dollars: Congress.
From the AP at Military.com Democrats Fail to Pass Anti-War Bill.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Bush fulfills H.L. Mencken's prophecy.
If you are writing a book and are looking for Gentle Editing. you have come to the right place.
Paul O'Neill Speaks - 2004. Remy Benoit
From CBS, 60 Minutes Bush Sought ‘Way’ To Invade Iraq?.
Ron Suskind - The Price of Loyalty. This book came out in 2004 - perhaps it should be read
New York Times - In Search of a Congress. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times at Truthout In Search of a Congress.
Imaginal Cells: Mythic Journeys. Remy Benoit
If you believe there is a better way - if you believe we can be oh so much more , please do visit with Mythic Journeys.
It is a 17MB file - be patient with the loading!
A question that only you can answer: Where are you, America?. Remy Benoit
It has never been a secret that our Veterans are not given the best possible care.
It has been 4 decades since Ron Kovic told his story in Born on the 4th of July which graphically outlined treatment at the VA.
It is no secret that soldiers were exposed to nuclear testing National Association of Atomic Veterans, Inc.
The cases, suits, horrid illnesses associated with Agent Orange are no secret. Agent Orange.
It is no secret that living with PTSD is living in a living hell. National Center for PTSD.
It is no secret that any given evening about a quarter of a million of our Veterans are sleeping on the streets. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
It is no secret that there are about 600,000 Veterans on VA waiting lists - often for months.
Dogen Hannah at the Oakland Tribune ( Find Articles )
Vets sue VA over lapses in care.
It is no secret that depleted uranium may cause health problems when it enters the body.Depleted Uranium. Look for the upcoming book by Lonnie D. Story An excerpt from the book “Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story” by Lonnie D. Story.
Let's assume that it is a given that we know that historically there have been, and currently are, major issues involving the care of our Veterans.
Last week, Senator Jim Webb's bill that soldiers be given down time proportionate to their time in combat was voted down. From The Washington Post, Shailagh Murray and Jonathan Weisman Longer Leaves for Troops Blocked.
Again, all of this is common knowledge.
If, if each family with someone in active duty wrote, e-mailed, called Congress or the White House there would be at the very least a half a million contacts. If multiple family members did that, the numbers would grow.
If every Veteran and his or her family did that, the numbers would explode.
If all Americans did that, the numbers would burst out with a voice that could not be denied.
These are the numbers you need:
So, back to the initial question - Where are you, America? The problems above can be taken righteous care of if you pick up the phones, write the letters, click the keys and demand they are.
Today, this day, every day, we are making more Veterans. Their care is up to you.
One more time, Where are you, America? Keep the Covenant. Be there for them as they are, and have been for you. It is the right, it is the only decent, moral thing to do.
As always, I need your comments and your guidance.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
And here is an FYI for you from The Washington Post, Megan Greenwell at Truthout Cholera Spreads From Northern Iraq to Baghdad.
Dr. Micahel Sartisky at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Remy Benoit
We invite you to visit with The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities., Louisiana Cultural Vistas Magazine and its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Michael Sartisky.
As Dr. Sartisky points out below, we have a unique, rich, and varied culture here that must be preserved. We need your help for that. Please, subscribe to Louisiana Cultural Vistas Magazine. as it will bring our voices to your home, touch your hearts with our hearts, and make you understand why we say, We are Louisiana and we are coming back rich in pride, rich in culture, and, as always, welcoming you to share in it all.
With Permission - From Dr. Michael Sartisky - Fall 2007 -
Editor's Column - Louisiana Cultural Vistas.:
In the Wake of Cultural Damages
During and immediately following the passage of Hurricane Katrina, virtually 100 percent of the inhabited areas of St. Bernard Parish and 80 percent of the inhabited areas of New Orleans flooded, destroying and harming in unprecedented ways a culture and inventory of cultural assets and practices unique in the United States and all the world.
In Louisiana, as distinct from any other of the United States, particular forms of cultural expression have taken on unique forms acknowledged throughout the world as a result of the influence of an unusual mingling in the colonial period of cultural streams from France, Spain, Africa, the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Native America, with additional influences from later immigrants such as Italians, Yugoslavs, Irish, Germans, and Anglos, among others.
As a result and in the wake of Katrina, damage and harm to an unprecedented degree has been inflicted upon an original and fragile culture and the community that for generations has produced, enjoyed and whose very identity is defined by it, literally thousands upon thousands of people from across the social and economic spectrum.
The Unique Cultural Geography
Of all the cities in the United States, New Orleans is universally acknowledged to occupy a special place, precisely because of its history, culture, and cultural practices. These are enjoyed, valued, and contribute to the lives and identity of not only the citizens who live in the most historic neighborhoods and amidst their architecture, but by literally all of the surrounding communities which likely would not exist at all were it not for New Orleans and who practice, contribute, and partake of that culture and define themselves and their communities in relation to it.
I should specify that culture in this context embraces and includes both "high" culture - often represented by major institutions and art forms such as museums, the symphony and opera, and large historic buildings and residences such the Cabildo, Gallier Hall, and the mansions of the Garden District - and also so-called "low" culture - including vernacular architecture such as the classic shotgun or Creole cottage and cultural practices which pervade daily life such as funerals, and second lines, or even the making of gumbo.
First and foremost, New Orleans is universally acknowledged to be the birthplace of jazz, the only indisputably American art form, but the inventory of New Orleans cultural uniqueness hardly stops there. These cultural manifestations include such general celebrations as Mardi Gras - both the huge parades down St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street - but also the more localized versions practiced in all the surrounding communities, including the fishing and shrimp boat parade in St. Bernard Parish. Mardi Gras is remarkable in that it transcends all class and racial divisions and engages the community as an entirety - uptown, downtown, inner-city and the mansions lining St. Charles Ave. They also include the Mardi Gras Indians who parade most visibly on Mardi Gras Day, but also St. Joseph's Day, Super Sunday, and other special occasions, weaving in and out of dozens of inner-city communities.
A Cultural Inventory Like No Other
New Orleans is unique among all American cities in the manifold ways the culture bubbles out from and onto the street: the jazz funerals and other brass-band parades and their related activities of such groups as the Baby Dolls, the Skeletons, and Social Aid and Pleasure clubs commemorating untold numbers of events: weddings, sports victories, birthdays, building and exhibit openings, and second-lining, in which virtually the entire community participates.
Apart from the obvious public manifestations of culture are communal cultural practices such as the building of St. Joseph's Day altars, crawfish boils, the making of gumbo - especially with recipes passed down through generations. Others are somewhat more arcane, but nonetheless unique and now imperiled for all time. For example, Louisiana and especially New Orleans, has been able to maintain its unique blend of accents, dialects, and patois, largely due to its unusual confluence of cultures, unique in the United States, and the fierce adherence of the people to the place. Fully 81 percent of Louisiana residents were born in the state. This was especially true of the Isleños of St. Bernard Parish whose distinctive language and forms of literary expressions, such as their narrative songs called decimas, linguists have traced back to the Renaissance and possibly even the Middle Ages. The same is true of the distinctive accents of New Orleans. The Diaspora of this population will dramatically compromise the continuation of this tradition if not wipe it out wholesale.
The failure of the Army Corps of Engineers to protect New Orleans placed in extreme jeopardy and subsequently caused catastrophic damage to both the United States' and the world's cultural patrimony and assets. The value of the damage is not just the wetlands, but what the wetlands protected, i.e. the city of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish and their buildings, architecture, industries and business, but also their history and culture, a crucial distinction.
_____Thank you, Dr. Sartisky for sharing. And please, again, do subscribe to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. and get your own awesome issues of Louisiana Cultural Vistas.You will be sharing our culture and helping us rebuild, and for that, we thank you in advance.
Blessings to all,
Miz' Remy
150 Countries to Attend UN Climate Conference. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 150 countries gather for U.N. climate summit
More than 80 world leaders to participate; Bush to attend sideline event.
Brain trauma. Remy Benoit
From Gregg Zoroya USA Today at Truthout Scientists: Brain Injuries From War Worse Than Thought.
Brown Shirts / Black Shirts. Remy Benoit
From Eric Margolis, Toronto Sun (Canada), at Veterans for Common Sense, an Editorial.
Editorial Column: Violent and Unforgivable Memories of Brownshirt and Blackshirt Mercenaries.
Do you write - want to write?. Remy Benoit
Then the best place to start with that is a pen, a keyboard, and with reading - constant reading on a variety of topics.
For some suggestions on some reading, join me at the links below.
For some ideas to inspire you, please make use of the Free Writing Seminar here Using History for Writing and Healing.
If you would like to share some of your writing here, please, just let me know through the Comment section.
If you are writing a book and need gentle editing, you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Help With Your Words - Your Way.
Links that may help:
From CSpan -American Writers II.
American Literature Anthology Writers' Index.
American Writers and Their Works The 20th Century Authors arranged by date of birth.
From Soundprint Writers on War".
From the 15th Field Artillery Regiment War Verse and Poetry.
Vietnam Iraq combat action war poetry.
International War Veterans Poetry Archives.
Those of you who know could help the position of others by telling it like it is. No holding back, just let it out to ease your pain; to teach the rest what it must.
Why We Fight. Remy Benoit
Eugene Jarecki - Why We Fight.
For a History of movies from WWII at International Historic Films Frank Capra's "Why We Fight Series".
World War II Propaganda, Cartoons, Film, Music, & Art.
Military and Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Sudarsan Raghavan and Thomas E. Ricks, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Guard contracts in Iraq raising military worries
Blackwater disputes bring to surface tensions with State Department.
Have we not taken care of Gulf War Veterans from '91?. Remy Benoit
From Will Dunham, Reuters at MSNBC U.S. accused of failing ill '91 Gulf War veterans
16 years after war, 175,000 complain of seriously diseases.
And this update on religious controversy in the military - from Jason Leopold, Truthout, at Veterans for Common Sense Army Major in Lawsuit has MySpace Admiring General Boykin, Degree in 'Personal Evangelism.
An Open Letter From Iran Dissident to UN. Remy Benoit
At The Nation Akbar Ganji A Plea From the Iranian People.
From Michelle Michelle Malsbury, BSBM, MM at the American Chronicle Lieberman's KYL Amendment.
From Vanity Fair the last piece by world renowned journalist David Halberstam The History Boys.
From Down History Lane Conversation with Daniel Ellsberg. to his extreme view of the present At Consortium News 'A Coup Has Occurred'. Your turn to express your views on these issues on Comments. A conversant democracy is a healthy one!
Contact Congress.
White House.
Time Passes....so quickly!. Remy Benoit
Down History Lane
I know how old I am, but to see Olivia Newton-John turns 59 today is really mind-blowing...so, from YouTube...Happy Birthday, Olivia!
Grease "You're The One That I Want".
Iran. Remy Benoit
From David M. Heszenhorn, The New York TImes, at Truthout - here is the roll call on this vote.
Senate Urges Bush to Declare Iran Guard a Terrorist Group.
From Gary Hart at The Huffington Post Unsolicited Advice to the Government of Iran.
Are you writing a book?. Remy Benoit
If you are writing a book and need help editing, proofing, etc., you have come to the right place!
Join me at Gentle Editing. Reduced rates for Veterans!
Gates - Iraq/Iran. Remy Benoit
From Michael Hirsh, Newsweek, at MSNBC Bob Gates’s Victory.
If you are writing a book and need help with editing, proofing, etc., you have come to the right place. Join me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way. Reduced rates for Veterans.
Writing Your Way Home. Remy Benoit
We all have a story to tell - all those stories have something in them that will expand life for others.
It does not matter if you were not an English major, or if you have not gone for writing classes.
You know what is in your heart - you know what you feel the need to share.
The only place to start is with the first word, so touch those keys, pick up that pen and begin... There was a time, a place, a person, a building, a war, a love, a sunrise, a sunset, a wave curl, a whatever that touched me. There, now something should have popped into your mind from your heart, brain, soul. That is the beginning of the tale that you need to tell - do begin to tell it.
To help you along the way, people from all over the world contributed to the free writing seminar here at Welcome Home Soldier Using History for Writing and Healing - do feel free to wander about it until you find something that speaks to you.
If you need help, I am here Gentle Editing. with reduced rates for Veterans.
The world can only benefit from your story, so please, do tell it!
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Richard Lardner and Mike Baker, the AP, at Truthout Blackwater Blamed for Guard Deaths.
What do you consider the place, if any, for private armies in a democracy?
From the AP at MSNBC Blackwater probe expands to 5 deadly incidents
U.S. conducting several investigations into security firm incidents.
Part of Patriot Act Unconstitutional. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Judge rules part of Patriot Act unconstitutional
Provisions allow search warrants issued without probable cause, she says.
Mike Gravel: Democrats Were Charged To End A War, Not Start One. Remy Benoit
Former Senator Mike Gravel at Common Dreams Democrats Were Charged To End A War, Not Start One.
If you will scroll down through the comments, you will find how your Senators voted. Is it the vote you expected of them, wanted from them? If it isn't, let them know Contacting Congress. A phone call, a letter, an e-mail is a lot less expensive, in oh so many ways, than another war. It is your right - it is your duty.
Blackwater Cancels Expansion Plans. Remy Benoit
From Joseph Neff, McClatchy Newspapers Blackwater cancels planned expansion.
From Warren P. Strobel, McClatchy Newspapers Congressman: State Dept. official threatened investigators.
Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Making a Killing.
Iran. Remy Benoit
Jonathan S. Landay and Warren P. Strobel McClatchy Newspapers U.S. agrees to delay on new Iranian sanctions.
Passing Time on the Front Porch in Early Autumn. Remy Benoit
As I said here a few days ago, each of us has a story to tell; to share; to help heal the world with.
When we did Louisiana in Words. each of us was asked to share one moment in our lives here.
When you think about one moment it seems like such a tiny bit of time, yet so very much can happen in one moment that can forever change your life.
Perhaps in one moment you made the decision to turn off to a street on the right and avoided an accident.
Perhaps in one moment, ah, across the proverbial crowded room you saw the one you had been waiting for so long.
Perhaps in one moment you lost your buddy to an IED, to a Bouncing Betty, to a sniper shot and your heart broke, and remains in tatters.
One moment, one brief moment in time.
Perhaps in one moment the world lit up in silvers and golds as the morning light touched the growth in your front yard and you knew, beyond any doubt, that you had somehow, in some unexplainable but immense way, become one with Creation.
Perhaps in one moment you decided it was time to vote, to write letters because you read something that said to you, this is not our way.
At this moment, the stray cat that we call Kerouac because he just appeared one day on our road is asleep on a picnic table; the yard dog is watching just in case a stray squirrel might give her something to bark at, something to say I am protecting this place. At this moment, there is relatively low humidity, only 50%; the Live Oaks are just briefly rustling in a soft, warm breeze. The stray cat who lives on our porch is asleep; the hanging pots are dripping water gently down from their morning refreshment. All seems so quiet, but if we were to get down closer to the earth, we would see the fire ants busily trying to build yet another mound; we would see, but only with the help of a magnifying glass, the tiny crawdads building one of their intricate mounds; we might find several blue-tailed geckos wandering about under the front steps; we would find the barn spider asleep above the web she will rebuild tonight.
In fact, then, all is not still, nor quiet – life is living itself in countless forms just on my front yard. What is happening on yours?
What is happening on the front porch of your heart? Who are you missing? Where would you like to be in this one moment in time? What one moment in your life would you like to go back and relive; how do you think that would change the life you are living?
If you could re-live one moment of your childhood, re-live one moment with your own child, would you choose to experience it the same way you remember it; would you choose to change it a bit; would you have a certain fear that perhaps it was not as wonderful as you remember it; would you like to go back and mend the hurt that you carry from it?
One of the thoughts that crossed my mind this morning sitting on the rail of my front porch was that we are through the worst of hurricane season and have been spared that this year while we are still mending from the destruction of Katrina. And that thought brought back memories of the trees bending in the wind until they snapped and crashed.
That thought brought up weeks of washing all our things by hand in icy cold well water brought up by a generator – that thought brought back memories of icy cold showers – of meals, sort of meals, made on a small propane cooker – of so welcomed coffee water being boiled on that tiny cooker and dripped through the coffee and filter to wake us up and get us ready for another day of post-storm cleanup and carrying on.
Those thoughts brought back the horror we felt when we finally, weeks later, got to see what had happened to our beloved city; to Waveland in Mississippi that just ceased to be.
The pictures came to mind of my friend’s home in Lakeview that was drowned in water for weeks with the things in it barely recognizable.
Compared to all that, even with all the life forms doing whatever they do on my front lawn, the view from the front porch on this autumn morning is one of peace, of quiet,indeed, of gratitude for those.
Tell us your story – what is happening in your present moment in time.
If you need help, just let me know at Gentle Editing. Reduced rates for Veterans.
If you would like to help with the costs of maintaining this site, please, just click on Donations and do the Pay Pal thing. Thanks so much.
Blessings to all,
Miz' Remy
Iran - Iraq - Veterans and More. Remy Benoit
As other countries turn up the pressure on Iran, that country counters with accusations of U.S. as terrorists. From CNN Iran's parliament votes to label CIA, U.S. Army 'terrorist' groups.
From The New York Times, an Editorial at truthout Runaway (Spending) Train.
From Dan Eggen at The Washington Post at Truthout Iraq Wiretap Delay Not Quite as Presented.
From the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives at Veterans for Common Sense Congressman Hall to Chair Field Hearing on VA's 600,000 Claim Backlog Crisis in New Windsor, NY.
From Winston-Salem Journal (North Carolina) at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial : Failing the Veterans.
From Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation Ending War for Profit.
Is it in any way possible to field a candidate who is not deaf to the demands of the population? There is no excuse, none, to not properly care for our Veterans. There is no excuse that when a mandate is voted by the country for the Congress to not listen and respond to it. There is no excuse to not defend Constitutional Balances and Rights. The Constitution demands that the legislative branch make the laws; that the executive branch enforces them; that the judicial branch sees that it is done within the framework of the Constitution. What is so hard to understand about that? It is the Law of the Land - it is called democracy. Somehow we have gotten this muddled.
Former Senator Mike Gravel at Common Dreams Democrats Were Charged To End A War, Not Start One.
If you will scroll down through the comments, you will find how your Senators voted. Is it the vote you expected of them, wanted from them? If it isn't, let them know Contacting Congress. A phone call, a letter, an e-mail is a lot less expensive, in oh so many ways, than another war. It is your right - it is your duty.
If you are writing a book and need help, you have come to the right place for Gentle Editing.
If you would like to help with the maintenance of this site, please, just click on Donations and do the PayPal thing. Thanks so much, Miz' Remy
Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Kevin Peraino, Newsweek, at MSNBC Death From All Sides.
Seymour Hersh: Shifting Targets. Remy Benoit
From Seymour Hersh, The New Yorker, at Truthout Shifting Targets: The Administration's Plan for Iran.
More Senate Approvals for War Funding. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Senate set to approve $150 billion for wars
Democrats on track to OK further funding despite Iraq policy divide. Is this what the mandate asked of them? Do we really want to see this extended to Iran?
This piece may rattle some chains, but it does bring up some interesting questions. From Jon Stokes Guest Post: The Invention of an Anti-Christ.
Congressional Report on Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From David Stout and John M. Broder The New York Times at Truthout Report Depicts Recklessness at Blackwater. There is a link in the article to the PDF file of the report. Hearings start today.
From the AP at MSNBC Blackwater founder defends Iraq role
House lawmakers question former Navy SEAL; committee issues report.
Again, we must ask ourselves - do private armies have a place in a democracy at all - and to whom are they responsible and accountable? These are very, very serious questions.
Saying "Enough" to Rush Limbaugh. Remy Benoit
From Domenico Montanaro at MSNBC Liberal Group Takes on Rush.
Iran? Blackwater?Veterans?. Remy Benoit
From NPR and Fresh Air Seymour Hersh: U.S. Making Iraq About Iran.
From Jackie Northam, NPR and Morning Edition Blackwater CEO Defends Workers in Iraq.
From Cheryl Corely, NPR and Morning Edition Foundation Helps War Vets Buy Homes.
From Vote Vets a Message to Rush Limbaugh "Phoney soldiers".
Inside things. Remy Benoit
From Senator Russ Feingold at The Nation Vote on Iraq Again and Again.
From John Nichols at The Nation Clinton Says Bush Needs Congressional OK for Iran War.
From Jonathan Alter, Newsweek, at MSNBC A Schmoozer Shares All LBJ has 'compulsive, even lunatic, strains.' Rumsfeld is 'the rottenest.' Gore has a 'mystical fervor.' Or so wrote Schlesinger in his journals.
From Gary Margolis at Voices in War Time Poems.
From Governor Eliot Spitzer, The Huffington Post, at Truthout Why I'm Suing the Bush Administration.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Bush Shows His Callousness With Veto of Children’s Health Insurance.
From Jim Hightower US CORPORATIONS SUPPORT CHINESE SUPPRESSION.
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Newspapers rss
Galloway commentary: The evil that men do.
From Scott Shane, David Johnston and James Risen, The New York Times, at Truthout Secret US Endorsement of Severe Interrogations.
From the AP at MSNBC Biggest jobless claims rise in four months
Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 16,000 last week.
From Leslie Griffith at Truthout Thank You, Dan Rather.
The real question is What do you say to all of this?
Memos - Culpability. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Dems Demand to See Interrogation Memo.
From Sudarsan Raghavan, Joshua Partlow and Karen DeYoung, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Military reports from scene fault Blackwater
They indicate guards opened fire without provocation in Sept. 16 incident.
From Wendy Button, The Huffington Post, at Veterans for Common Sense 56,654 U.S. Service Members Hurt in Iraq War.
Editing Services. Remy Benoit
If you are writing a book and need help, you have come to the right place. Visit with me at
Gentle Editing - Your words, your way.
Veteran rates are half price.
Oversight for private contractors. Remy Benoit
Well, finally...from the AP at MSNBC State Department overhauling security in Iraq
U.S. diplomatic guards will accompany Blackwater convoys, Rice decides.
Now, on to war profiteering?
Interrogation Practices. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush says U.S. ‘does not torture people’
President responds to report that 2005 memo relaxed interrogation rules.
From Dan Froomkin, The Washington Post, at Truthout Torture, Continued .
From Randall Mikkelsen, Reuters, at Truthout CIA Detention Program Still Active: Official.
Questioning Iraq Policy. Remy Benoit
From Nancy A. Youssef and Renee Schoof McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout New Military Leaders Question Iraq Mission.
Editing. Remy Benoit
If you are fulfilling your dream by writing the book only you can write and need some help, join me at Gentle Editing - Your words - Your way. Are you a Veteran? The price is only half the posted price for you to thank you for your service.
American Values & Torture - Go Together? Don't Think So. Remy Benoit
An Editorial from The New York Times at Truthout On Torture and American Values.
And a piece by John Pope at The Times Picayune, of perhaps extreme irony, but perhaps hope. Mikhail Gorbachev visited New Orleans - yes, the former president of the Evil Empire, the author of Perestroika, winner of the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize, now head of The Gorbachev Foundation. Gorbachev vows revolution if levees don't improve.
Perhaps more irony From Kevin Peraino, Newsweek, at MSNBC 'Strong like Saddam'.
The Power of Determination and Dedication. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington, Newsweek, at MSNBC My Journey to the Top These 11 women came from many different backgrounds, but they all had big dreams. The path to power meant facing obstacles and their biggest fears.
This piece is about women - determination and dedication do not have gender.
What is your dream - and how much of you are you willing to give to fulfill it?
Those are the real questions while the paths are many to their answers.
Whatever your dream is - go for it!
Controlling Private Contractors. Remy Benoit
From Lawrence Korb at The Huffington Post Lawrence Korb: The Government, Not Blackwater, Should Have the Monopoly of Force.
And while Congress is getting to this, perhaps they should be working on investigations on war profiteering and making a definitive exit plan?
Blackwater - Iraqi Officials - Leave. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Report: Iraqi authorities want Blackwater out
Panel wants firm to pay $8 million per death, guards to stand trial in Iraq.
Wiretapping. Remy Benoit
From Eric Lichtblau and Carl Hulse, The New York Times, at Truthout Democrats Seem Ready to Extend Wiretap Powers.
We need to ask how much freedom we are willing to give up to have freedom - don't think that is a tough question to answer.
Iraq/Afghanistan - Thinning and Thickening. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iraq coalition withering as Britain pulls out
If plans stand, Americans will comprise 95 percent of alliance by mid-2008.
From Nancy A. Youssef and Renee Schoof at the McClatchy Newspapers New military leaders question Iraq mission.
From the AP at MSNBC Turkey says it is ready to send troops into Iraq
Ankara approves possible cross-border military operation to chase Kurds.
From the Los Angeles Times: An Editorial at Truthout Even the British Are Leaving Iraq.
From Anne Flaherty, the AP, at Truthout House Vote to Target Contractor Fraud.
From John W. Warnock, The Regina Leader-Post (Saskatchewan) at Common Dreams Depleted Uranium: Enduring Risk.
From Marjorie Cohn at The Jurist Torture Endorsed, Torture Denied.
From Tom Gilroy, The Huffington Post, at Truthout How Pelosi Ended ‘The War With Iraq’.
From Jim Hightower NEXT: IRAN. and It's Gut-Check Time for Congress.
From Rick Perlstein Persian Carpet Bombing Iran.
Draft Gore?. Remy Benoit
From Jim Rutenberg, The New York Times, at MSNBC Gore backers lead movement without candidate
Draft effort fueled by dissatisfaction with present candidates.
For those of you interested Draft Gore.
What the candidates, none of them, seem to "get" is that the public wants them to take a stand for what is right - not partisan, but right. The only way for them to come to that place, is for the voters to constantly remind them of what is needed; for the voters to remind them that governing by fear is destructive.
The public needs to remind those "in power" that any limitation of freedoms does not protect freedom - the Constitution sets up the guidelines - it would not have been ratified without the Bill of Rights.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that the Constitution calls for a separation of Church and State.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that no one starts a war without an exit plan; that no one with a heart rooted in our Constitution seeks to unbalance the balance of power.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that they are there to serve the best, the vital interests of the welfare of the country - not their own ends, not the ends of those who give massive campaign contributions.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that they represent the people, not a handful of corporations.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that we are all born, we all die, and that in between we need the best health care possible and that we don't need to be bankrupted by it. This kind of situation is just wrong - from SELF - Roxanne Patel Shepelavy at MSNBC How much is a life worth? New cancer drugs offer hope, but the price may be too high for some.
The public needs to remind those placed "in power" that if you make Veterans you are responsible for their well being.
Just that simple - just that hard.
Use your voice - speak your mind.
It might well be worth public funding of campaigns to eliminate the lobbyists with their special interests so that the interests of the country might be represented, and tended to.
It might be well worth sitting down and reading your Constitution to remember what its intent is - and that is not special interests, unbalanced power, nor pre-emptive war.
Where exactly are those WMD's? The public might do well to ask where the ones that Saddam once did have came from. You won't like the answers, but the answers will raise serious questions that the responsible public should ask - what is being done, by whom, in my name?
We need to be aware that we need a new mythology; that we need a new vision. You might find some new paths, new ideas to examine at these sites - opened minds help to open hearts - open hearts learn compassion - open hearts have no need to be ruled by fear - face realities and work through them.
MetaHistory - Beyond the Tyranny of Beliefs.
Mythic Imagination.
Future Primitive.
John Cusack with Naomi Klein: Private armies...war...disaster capitalism. Remy Benoit
From John Cusack and Naomi Klein at The Huffington Post HuffPost Exclusive: My Interview with Naomi Klein.
Calling Things What They Are: More From My Conversation with Naomi Klein.
The Real Blackwater Scandal: Build a Frontier, You Get Cowboys.
The Real Blackwater Scandal: Build a Frontier, You Get Cowboys, Part II.
It is always good to look at things from as many perspectives as possible. You just might find your own expanding!
Global Warming Work Wins Nobel Peace Prize. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Staff Al Gore, U.N. panel win Nobel Peace Prize
Ex-VP, intergovernmental body jointly honored for global warming work.
I was just looking at a picture from after school in my classroom in 1968. The students, who were then 12, and are at least 50 now, wanted to work with
ecological issues. They needed a faculty adviser and they came to me for that.
We are slow learners. Perhaps we need to catch up with what we are doing to the planet?
The Rich Get Richer and the Middle and Lower Classes, well, you get the point. Remy Benoit
"Equality for all" is still a dream, but a dream at least most of us still believe in it - despite the odds.
From Greg Ip, The Wall Street Journal, at Truthout Income-Inequality Gap Widens.
Ah, oh yeah, if you have even one credit card, you really, really, really need to know about this little thing called the universal default rate. Once you learn about it, do give your Representatives and Senators a holler about it. Be a friend, let your friends in on this great awakening. Are You Being Cheated by Universal Default Rates?. And just think, you never have to pay any bill late; never have to pay a fee for an overdraft and have this happen as an additional penalty - they just let you play when they feel like it!
Anyone remember the American Dream? Time for Mr. Stewart to take to the banking again - or to go to Washington - with your voice.
But things are looking up on the war profiteering front - The Gavel: War Profiteering Prevention Act. Maybe there is hope for us. Gee, at $100 for every 15 pounds of wash I do, I might be able to afford the electric bill that helps keep this site running!
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Blackwater; Iraq; Weapons Smuggling; Climate. Remy Benoit
From Robert O'Harrow Jr. and Dana Hedgpeth, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Blackwater’s rise tied to changing times
Terrorism, Bush administration’s outsourcing push spark firm’s growth.
From Brian Cook, In These Times Blackwater Nation.
You might want to scroll down a few days and check out John Cusack's interview with Naomi Klein on Disaster Capitalism.
We need some positive capitalist input, still, down here on the Gulf Coast - we, too, are America.
From Naomi Wolf at The Huffington Post American Tears.
Speaking of reconstruction - from David S. Cloud The New York Times, at Truthout Ex-Commander Says Iraq Effort Is "a Nightmare".
From the AP at Military.com Illegal Weapons Exports Growing Fast.
From Megan Phelps at Mother Earth News - something you can do! What You Can Do About Global Climate Change. One of the things we can all do is to demand preservation and constant care of our wetlands wherever they are - they are there for a reason.
FEMA Disaster Planning. Remy Benoit
From Scott Lindlaw, the AP, at Truthout FEMA Shifts, Draws Own Disaster Plans.
As there is a 143-mile dike around Lake Okeechobee why not begin fixing it, rather than just plan for disaster failure? I know, things move slowly, but guess what? Water moves fast - very, very fast.
Just ask anyone down here! From OCala.com Levee at Lake Okeechobee has eroded, experts say
Herbert Hoover Dike has 50-50 chance of failing within 4 years, engineers' report.
Look around where you live - holler now, rather than tread water later from your roof. This is real homeland security - keeping up with the infrastructure.
Do the letters CCC, WPA mean anything to you? Maybe we need new ones?
New York Times Editorial: Spies, Lies and FISA . Remy Benoit
From The New York Times at Truthout Spies, Lies and FISA.
Lizzie Palmer: Remember Me?. Remy Benoit
Good evening,
Just the other day I stood in the parking lot of the local market
chatting with a Veteran of Vietnam; a man who had served as an
Airborne Ranger.
All these so many years later, he shared the
terrible pain he still felt with me - pain that came from being
spurned, from being walked away, from being treated
like he carried some plague; pain from when he came home
through an airport on the West Coast.
He is one of oh so many still aching from that experience;
still aching from not hearing Welcome home, and thank you for your service.
Today, well, are we really saying that, even if we smile, even if we mouth the words,
if we are not standing up and demanding loud and clear that our Veterans get
proper, respectful, and immediate care at the physical, mental, heart, and soul level?
Let your Welcome home, and thank you for your service be heard by our
Veterans; let it resound throughout the halls of power in D.C. until they have no
choice but to listen.
Don't miss this one - and, yes, please pass it along.
Remember Me? by Lizzie Palmer Remember Me?
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Prince of Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Evan Thomas and Mark Hosenball, Newsweek, at MSNBC The Man Behind Blackwater.
Again, what place do private armies have in a democracy?
From Julian E. Barnes, The Los Angeles Times at Truthout America's Own Unlawful Combatants?.
MSNBC "Gut Check America". Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Malaise in the Middle.
Time to Ban DU?. Remy Benoit
From The Daily Camera, Boulder Colorado and Ron Forthofer Forthofer: Time to ban weaponized uranium.
Who Knew What When About What?. Remy Benoit
From Ray McGovern at Common Dreams What Did Pelosi Know About NSA, and When Did She Know It?.
From William Fisher at Truthout Foreign Service, Rights Groups, Find Blackwater "Excesses" No Surprise.
From Ellen Nakashima, The Washington Post, at Truthout Verizon Says It Turned Over Data Without Court Orders.
From the AP at Truthout ACLU: DoD Sought Citizens' Bank Records.
From Reuters Congress Must Approve U.S. Attack vs Iran: Pelosi.
From Nir Rosen at The Boston Review No Going Back
Little relief in sight for millions of displaced Iraqis.
From Lou Dubose at The Washington Spectator On Children's Health Care and Iraq War Funding.
From Jim Hightower - a good idea - all Congress members should be within e-mail reach for ALL Americans CALLING JOHN BOEHNER. And that includes Madam Speaker.
We all have a story. What is yours?. Remy Benoit
I am introducing a new feature here at Welcome Home Soldier, hoping that it will encourage you to write, to share your stories. You don't have to be a best selling author to share your stories here; you just have to write from the soul.
I will be giving you links to stories, poems, essays that should encourage you to tell your stories, share your poems, share the truths of your heart gleaned from your experiences. All copyrights remain with you - of course.
You should feel free to utilize the Free Writing Seminar here at WHS - Using History for Healing and Writing to help you develop your story telling skills; to help make you more comfortable with sharing your words. People from all over the world contributed their writing to bring home to you that you can, and should, share your stories.
Stories, poems, essays on any topic are welcome if you would like to share yours. You may send me links to stories, poems, essays that you feel others would enjoy. Just go to Comments and follow the directions.
I will be happy to include links to your homepages as long as they are acceptable for all ages.If you would like to share your review of a book with us, please do so.
Please invite your friends to join us.
As this is a pro bono site, please understand that any submission you make will be because you want to share, not to be paid, as I am not able to do the latter.
Since this is Welcome Home Soldier, I thought to bring your attention to this story told by a Vietnam Veteran about his homecoming and a beer - please join Ed Blanco at War Stories for Welcome Home, Soldier.
To help get you into a story frame of mind, try this and give a listen to Old Time Radio! Radio Lovers.
If you have reached the point with your writing that you need an Editor, please join me at Gentle Editing: Your Words - Your Way. Reduced rates for Veterans!
Writing helps with healing; sharing what you have written helps others to heal.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Campaign for America's Future. Remy Benoit
Want to Take Back America? Campaign for America's Future.
Want to rebuild the Gulf Coast? KATRINA: THE STORM HASN'T ENDED.
Worried about the loss of Progressive standards of life? Read this, and worry some more.
From William Greider at The Nation Rolling Back the 20th Century.
World War III?. Remy Benoit
Words have a tremendous power for bringing into fruition what they name. We must be very careful how we use them; we must seriously question the ambitions of those who use them.
From Reuters at MSNBC Bush warns of WWIII if Iran goes nuclear
Message comes as Russia expresses skepticism over Tehran's ambitions.
Growing up post-WWII, we lived with the cloud of MAD hanging over us. What kind of words are Mutually Assured Destruction? During that time there were many movies made about the ramifications of nuclear war. Some of the most famous of them came from the Godzilla series. Admit it, how many of you cheered Godzilla on?
Yesterday I asked you to join us with your words, your stories, essays, poems, etc. Today, in keeping with the terrible words in this heading, let us consider three different views of what mutually assured destruction really mean.
The first is the world famous poem by Sara Teasdale:
We Need to Ask Ourselves Why.... Remy Benoit
We can't take care of our Veterans or our children. What exactly is more important than that? Huge corporate profits; huge corporate salaries and tax breaks? Where are our priorities? We seem to forget that, if you think about it, American ends in I can. So, the question remains, why we can't seem to take care of our children and our Veterans? How did your Representative vote?
The House attempt to override Bush's veto failed.
From CNN House fails to override Bush veto of child insurance bill.
Will Gore Stand Up? Will American's Stand Up?. Remy Benoit
There is a lot of talk about Al Gore as the Democratic candidate - Draft Gore sites literally beg him to run with the hope that his candidacy would give the Democratic party some backbone.
This is one interpretation of the possibilities of a
Gore run. From Bill Curry at The Huffington Post An Open Convention For Gore.
If Gore is the one you want Eco Solutions.
There are many issues simply not being properly addressed by the candidates.
This is the number one problem not being given 100% attention to; being played with by partisan politics - and that is simply unacceptable. From Iraq Coalition Casualty Count Casualties.From CNN Forces U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
This is another number not being properly watched dogged by those in Congress. From the National Priorities Project Costs of Iraq War.
CRS Report for Congress The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11.
For you history lovers, this report from David R. Francis at the Christian Science Monitor in 2005 More costly than 'the war to end all wars'. From Digital History Costs of WWI. From World War II Files Costs.
From Conn Hallinan at Foreign Policy in Focus at Common Dreams The Casualties of Iraq.
From Harvey Wasserman at Common Dreams Nukes Are Back and So Are We.
Yesterday's defeat of S Chip? From The New York Times at Truthout Putting Poor Children Second.
From Eric Lichtblau, The New York Times, at Truthout Senate Deal on Immunity for Phone Companies. Doesn't the Bill of Rights already say what is okay and what isn't? Why is there an argument about which branch of government has more power? That has already been determined by the Constitution which those in D.C. all seem to be neglecting putting their attention to.
From Bill Moyers tonight on PBS Examining Blackwater.
Story of the Day - Writing Question for You. Remy Benoit
From World-English, the story choice of the day A Haunted House by Virginia Woolf.
For you to consider, ah, what haunts your house, your mind, your soul, your heart that would best be written out to be healed? Where does it hurt? That is a good place to start - but go slowly, gently and with loving care - that will begin the healing.
Do share your stories, links to your favorite stories - share your essays, your poems - your questions on writing - we are here for you.
War. Remy Benoit
Has there ever been a day in your life when there was not talk of war; of the separation between them and us.
From Spencer S. Hsu and Mary Beth Sheridan, The Washington Post, at MSNBC IEDs seen as a rising threat within U.S.
Chertoff vows to step up planning for bombs that have ravaged Iraq. Well, Mr. Chertoff's planning does not hold a lot of credence down here on the Gulf Coast. And again, is it the politics of fear to drum up support for a war with Iran?
War is ugly. Why don't we get that?
Two pieces of writing today. One from Ambrose Bierce. about the War Between the States.
What Occurred at Franklin. a tale of the Union and Confederate Armies at battle. Please note this line: The sun burned crimson in a gray-blue sky through a delicate Indian-summer haze, as beautiful as a daydream in paradise. If one had been given to moralizing one might have found material a-plenty for homilies in the contrast between that peaceful autumn afternoon and the bloody business that it had in hand. Not only does it give you a sense of the place, of the irony of the weather, but Mr. Bierce picks up in the autumn sky the gray-blue of the uniforms of conflicting armies.
From John Cory: About War. a much different kind of writing about war - graphic - intense - heart breaking that we send our young to learn these things.
While you are visiting with John, click on Home. and then on Office Tour. It is a beautiful tour and a reminder that of all those choices we can make - for horror, for a healthy planet, for diplomacy, for peace, or for war. As always, it is all in the choices.
Can you complete the thought - War is from your impression, experience of it? That should give you a good place to start writing - and remember, there are all kinds of wars, on all kinds of fronts. Perhaps in writing it out you may find some resolution, or even, solution.
Some words for thought, speaking of all kinds of wars. The only good Indian...
Chief Joseph: I Will Fight No More Forever.
And also from John Cory, a story that you will never forget.When Snowflakes Sing.
It is up to us how we manifest our destiny. Your words can help us do that in a better way.
John Dean on Surveillance. Remy Benoit
From John Dean, Find Law, at Truthout Why, Even If You Have Nothing To Hide, Government Surveillance Threatens Your Freedom The Case Against Expanding Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Powers.
From the New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout With Democrats Like These ...
Bye, bye Blackwater?. Remy Benoit
From Warren P. Strobel, McClatchy Newspapers Blackwater to be phased out of guarding U.S. diplomats in Iraq.
From the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform - Chairman Waxman Chairman Waxman Seeks Further Information on Blackwater Contracts.
Jerry Wennstrom: Reverent Generosity. Remy Benoit
I have invited you to share in the wonder of the creativity of Jerry Wennstrom on a number of occasions. He is a celebrated artist of enormous talent who very shortly will be sharing with you his newest creation which, take my word for it, is both sacred and beautiful. Jerry is truly a Living National Treasure - a gentle man in the truest sense of the word - a creative genius.
When I asked all of you to share your words, to share your stories, Jerry sent me this piece on Reverent Generosity which I share with you below.
You may join Jerry and his very talented wife, Marilyn Strong at Hands of Alchemy. The poem at the end of Jerry's piece is by a friend of his who, by his words, is a friend to the pathways of our souls.
Thank you, gentlemen, for your sharing. You will find my review of Jerry Wennstrom's new, expanded DVD of In the Hands of Alchemy at Review - Jerry Wennstrom's, In the Hands of Alchemy: The Art and Life of Jerry Wennstrom.
I live on Whidbey Island, Washington and, as often happens in the winter months, a windstorm knocked out the power for a good part of our Island. A friend living in Seattle offered my wife and me her “spare condominium” on Queen Ann Hill, a nicer part of Seattle. Overlooking the city and a beautiful stretch of the Puget Sound, the condominium is nicely situated. I had a writing deadline so I took her up on her offer to continue my writing project with the luxury of warmth, light and power for my computer. I was grateful and happy to be staying at such a nice place in Seattle and got up early my first morning to go for a walk.
After walking some distance, stopping for a cup of tea and winding my way back to the apartment, I happened upon an older, homeless man in an alley. He was surrounded by several overstuffed plastic bags and had apparently spent the night in the alley.
When our eyes met, we held the moment for an unusually long time. I held the gaze longer than usual, hoping he might ask for money -- but he did not. His sad, sweet eyes unexpectedly brought tears to my own. I continued walking as I spontaneously said a little prayer for him. As I continued on my way, feeling his sadness, I looked up and was startled to see a well dressed, woman staring at me in a most intense and compassionate way. She smiled enthusiastically when our eyes met, perhaps thinking it was my own sadness I held. I walked on.
Several blocks down the street, as I neared a storefront, I spotted a young man in his late teens just getting up from his pile of dirty blankets. He, too, had spent the night on the street. He looked so young and vulnerable as he tried to pull his shirtsleeves down over his cold hands. As I passed, he looked at me and smiled. I slowed, but he didn’t ask for anything either. I came home unable to shake the feeling of sadness for these men and for the imbalance in our world. Yet, all I felt I could do was hold the sadness I was feeling in a reverent, prayerful way. From past experience, I know and have come to trust this way of holding others. When no other action is called for, it, in itself can be a gift.
To many, non-action in a situation like this may not make sense. However, sometimes literal “giving” can be a way to avoid the weight of another’s burden. The Spirit of the moment can ask something different of us – something different from our ideas of what it means to give. Reverently holding the suffering of others can be a moment’s greatest offering and it is a moment many of us often avoid by trying to buy our way out with literal acts of “goodness.” Many of do this by giving, materially, too much to our kids and the results are showing up in a strange disease being called “affluenza.” When one sees the activity of this holding as a formless act of compassion, one goes about it with reverence. Where literal action fails, reverent generosity succeeds by becoming a container able to hold the tears of the world.
The delicate refinement of reverent generosity is one of the loftiest disciplines of embodied life. Reverence is the only appropriate response to the mystery we are surrounded by and it requires unrelenting attention. Lao Tsu says, “ How great the difference between eah and Oh!” The “eah” response to life represents an attitude of indifference, while the “Oh!” response represents openness and surprise in the face of an awesome and mysterious universe. One’s natural impulse to inspire others with that which reverence has awakened in one’s own heart creates sublime beauty in the world. With reverence, the difficulties in life become grist for the mill – chaos, hopelessness, suffering, even death -- everything may be placed on the altar, for transformation in the eternal. What comes through may be a sweet word, a gift, a joke, wisdom, or even the use of the sword; inspiration finds a way to undo the illusion of limitation. Inspiration enters the heart through the portal of reverence. With inspiration rippling through the collective, the heart of the world grows unalterably stronger.
We are all potential vessels for such moments, and one’s participation must spontaneously be born of reverence, mystery and an uncalculated generosity of spirit. One is able to take outrageous risks when these three elements are in place, and all for the glory of one inspired moment. Without being empowered by the passion and commitment that comes with the heart-inspired we would never be able to take those risks when we fear we have something to lose. It is only when we discover what we are willing to die for that we come to know and fully embody what we are willing to live for. As dramatic as this may sound, it is often in the quiet, lonely moments of our lives where this inner drama unfolds. It happens by remaining present and being fully with a difficult moment we may not necessarily have chosen to encounter.
Perhaps, most importantly, there is an abstract element of Grace that is needed to tap the reverent generosity of heart we know is possible. One must fearlessly trust in things unseen, things beyond what is “known.” There are things that have the potential to keep us from acting spontaneously from the heart. They exist in the realm of reason, logic, personal advantage and security. In this realm, to give is to lose that which has been given. Only an act of reverent generosity can transform and transcend the limits of such a literal fixation. Where there is reverence and a generosity of spirit, the potential of the moment is essentially served and fluidly expressed as creation and form. Here, in the place of Mystery, a life-affirming act of generosity becomes its own reward. That reward is nothing less than renewal and the remembering of essence for all involved. In this way, an act of reverent generosity is healing and happens at all levels – physical, emotional and spiritual. It carries with it an impulse to share the gift, which is kept alive by the sharing through the dynamic nature of the exchange as it moves through the collective.
There is one last refinement required of reverent generosity and that is the detachment from goodness. When we know we don’t know, we come to see that externally perceived ways of “giving” or “not giving” have equal potential in an act of reverent generosity. When we can be fully in the moment, without ideas, fear-driven impulses or guilt, we are free to silently ask, “How can I serve the spirit of this moment?” … and then receive an answer and respond!
Pathways
I see in your eyes
a pathway
through the wilderness of time.
It is light
and it beckons me
back through the ages
evaporating
like an early frost
on the turning leaves.
Moving in unison
with the ardent air,
you return,
flowers in your hand
and moonlight in your eyes.
I am a bandit,
a thief in the night,
trying in vain
to catch this coveted air
only to find
I am bathed in
moonlight.
Mud *
Things fall apart. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Tension grow as Kurd rebels kill Turkish troops
Turkish prime minister calls emergency meeting.
This is an area of the world with deep, underlying, unresolved issues; an area of the world where communication between conflicting groups requires deep mediation, skilled diplomacy. Instead, lacking these, things fall apart into escalating violence.
Individuals, groups, indeed, countries take positions that they convince themselves are absolutely, irrevocably right - and the walls go up that block communication; the tension mounts; the separation, the disruption, and, indeed, the violence often follows.
From Tom Englehardt at Tom's Dispatch Bush’s Pentagon Papers The Urge to Confess.
Sometimes the problems that non-communication can bring, the uneasiness, the unrest, the despair that come from non-communication can become more readily apparent when we view them on a smaller scale - the non-communication between just two people. I came across this very intense, very poignant short story by Marcela Carbajo at East of the Web Things We Do Not Want To Hear. that makes the point. Please just go to the link and type in the name of the story in the Search device. I can't seem to get you a direct link.
When have you been there on a personal level, on the level of a citizen, as a member of a group where things have been left unsaid and because of that can only lead to disaster? Tell us, share with us, your story.
Dr. Ed Tick's Comments on Walter Reed. Remy Benoit
With permission from Soldier's Heart. I am passing along Dr. Ed Tick's comments on his visit to Walter from his newsletter. Again, if you haven't read his War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from ost-traumatic Stress Disorder. please do so. Put it on your holiday list - everyone should read this book!
Speaking of the holidays - there is the old confusion, angst, and upset that comes up with holidays. Some people do the Why didn't you tell me what you really wanted? thing; others respond with I thought you...you should have known what I really wanted. That kind of thinking only causes grief, hurt, and unfulfilled wishes and needs. That is why it is so very important that you, the Veterans, tell your stories; tell them loud and clear - in written words, in speeches, over a beer. No, people who have not been there cannot possibly understand it all, but you could be the one to begin to open their eyes to the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of our Veterans. Do not assume they should know what you need. They don't, won't, and can't know until you tell them. Yes, of course, there are probably areas of experience where you don't want to go, most likely shouldn't go, with those who have not been there - but you can make them understand the needs of Veterans - the need to end the separation of you and them. That is the way to get help - make them know that you are them. With huge public support, Congress and the Executive will have to listen Thank you for your service, then, and now with this. Blessings, Miz' Remy
Cheney: No Nukes for Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Truthout Cheney: US Will Not Let Iran Go Nuclear.
Waxman Accuses Blackwater of Tax Evasion-Blackwater Denies. Remy Benoit
From Anne Flaherty of the AP at Truthout Waxman Accuses Blackwater of Tax Evasion.
Special Interests?. Remy Benoit
From Jeffrey Bartholet and Eve Conant, Newsweek, at MSNBC This Is Not a Bluff' A Christian political leader on the threat of a third party.
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Midnight in America: the Mainstreaming of the GOP's Lunatic Fringe.
From Holly Sklar at Common Dreams Billionaires Up, America Dow.
From Stephen Zunes at Foreign Policy in Focus U.S. Denial of the Armenian Genocide.
From Matt Renner at Truthout
Congresswoman Woolsey on Congress and the Bush Administration.
Conflicts Over War and Peace. Remy Benoit
From Lynn Neary at NPR 'War and Peace' Sparks a Literary Skirmish.
From Morning Edition at NPR Guy Raz Bush Wants $46B More for Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan. Costs of this war surpass Vietnam and....
We use the word war so loosely - perhaps your writing can help to define it so it can truly be understood.
Everyone looks for compassion, for understanding, for some place in the world. Is there not a way that we can find that without beating each other over the head about it all the time? Perhaps if we started with Thank you prayers for what we have, we might take notice of what others don't - that would be a wonderful garden in which the beginnings of compassion might take root - food, a home, clothes for all might be a good place to start nurturing.
California Fires. Remy Benoit
Our prayers are with all in California. A fire of this scope with the Santa Anna Winds stirring it up is terrifying. With about a half million evacuated and the loss of homes climbing, the people there are facing a catastrophe of immense proportions.
This view on it from Newsweek's Karen Breslau at MSNBC Avoiding Another Katrina In the nation's biggest natural disaster since the devastating hurricane wrecked the Gulf Coast, California so far has proven to provide efficient disaster relief.
The underlying question remains - with all the talk of Homeland Security, what extensive planning for this kind of disaster is being made?
Writing About War. Remy Benoit
War is a very complex thing.
There are truly almost endless avenues to go down when you wish to try to unravel is oh so tangled threads.
Chris Dickey, son of the late author James Dickey of Deliverance fame, writes for Newsweek about the threads he sees of the current Iraq war in the attitudes of the men in War and Deliverance.
John Cory, a Veteran of Vietnam, looks at war this way. About War.
As I am asking you to share your writing with us, it is only fair that I share some of mine. Thus, this excerpt from Loving in a section called Meuse Argonne just a part of The War to End All Wars.
"Jesus?
"Jesus?"
"Am I asleep?
"Am I dreaming all this?
"Is this a nightmare?
"This can't be real.
"Jesus, this can't be real.
"I am so cold, cold coming from inside of me; coming from inside, making me shiver and sweat at the same time.
"It's dark. Dark, so dark, but the sky keeps lighting up and the noise, the noise is beyond bearing.
"I'm leaning here, leaning against this slope, this thing of wet sucking mud of someplace called Montfaucon, trying to get to a village; there is a weapon in my hand, and I keep firing the sequence, up, back. forward, down; up, back, forward, down..
"Shooting at them.
"Who are they?
"Why are they here doing this thing?
"Why are they hiding in machine gun nests up in the trees?
"Why am I here?
"Why was Wilhelm out on a yacht when his country was going to war?
"I thought, I thought Wilson, kept us out of war?
"Was anybody thinking?
"I thought, everybody thought, there was no more reason for war.
"Were any of them really talking to each other, or were they all talking at each other?
"Is that how we got here?
"Everybody talking, nobody listening.
"Were they all lost in all the noise of their own talking?
"Is that how we got here, is that how I got here, Mama?
"I remember talking about 'over there.'
"I remember waving goodbye to all of you.
"I remember the waving, the flags, all you ladies crying.
"I remember a uniform and some kind of training.
"And a boat, yes, I remember a boat that brought me here.
"All I can remember after that is mud, weapons, blood, men dying all around me. Men bursting into nothing all around me. Nothing left where they were.
"No ladies here to tidy up even when anything was left of us to tidy up.
"Jesus?
"They say the day You died that the sky turned dark, that the earth trembled.
"They say You said, "Why have You forsaken me?"
"All is confusion and noise, so much noise.
"Why have You forsaken me?
"What is the purpose of this bloodletting? Saving democracy, making the world safe for democracy. Isn't democracy about talking and working things out?
"I feel alone.
"I used to like to be alone sometimes, when I was not in school, not playing ball. But that was a good alone.
"This is a bad alone, a real scared alone; a real empty, awful, terrible alone like nothing I have ever known.
"The light keeps coming and going, confusing me. Sometimes pieces of light come through all the noise, all the mess, all the smoke, and they make the aloneness stand out like I am here going up, down, forward, back like some kind of machine on an assembly line. Just doing it, not sure how, or why, we are all just doing it. Part of something real big doing this thing, making all this noise; making all this smoke and mess, trying to go up this slope while they are in machine gun nests up in the tops of the trees shooting down at me, at us, like some bred of demented eagles.
"I feel alone on this hill so far away from the hills of home.
"There is, well, there was a forest here, don't know if it is still here. Forests are deep, dark, holy places for good alone, for touching things and feeling things that make us know we are not alone but part of some real big good thing.
"Is this a good thing?
"Do good things burn up forests?
"Do good things make you feel so alone?
"I am real confused.
"I came to make people safe.
"I don't feel safe.
"I feel like an army of one.
"I feel alone.
"Thou shalt not kill.
"This is an aloneness I cannot bear here in this dark, in this lighted up sky, in all this noise.
"I know, Lord, I am not by myself on this slope. I know my buddies are here. I can smell them, smell the fear coming off them; smell the dysentery, the weeks of unwashed bodies. But I am all alone.
"Do You understand that kind of alone?
"Why were we made to be capable of feeling this kind of alone?
"It is terrible, unbearable.
"I can feel, oh, I can feel the lice crawling over me even in this.
"I can feel my own foulness, my own fear.
"I feel, I feel rusty, creaky, smeared with blood; mine, and only You know who else's.
"This is irrational.
"I am irrational.
"I am shooting this weapon, up down, forward, back, and I can't see who I am shooting at and I don't know why I am supposed to want to kill him, whoever he is; or why he wants to kill me.
"Couldn't this have been talked out?
"They didn't let us fight in school.
"We had to talk it out.
"Shake hands. Walk away from each other.
"Unrestricted submarine warfare; invasion of Belgium, scraps of paper. Over There.
"Here.
"The ground keeps shaking; tearing up, shooting up big pieces of itself into the sky, into the air and it all falls down again; but it comes back down with pieces of us. I am laying against this slimy, fetid mud slope and firing my weapon even though there are no bullets left.
"Up, back, forward, down. Up, back, forward, down. 1917 Enfield. Up, back, forward, down.
"I have to keep firing while the ground shakes, and their bullets fly by me so close I can feel their heat. I don't know what will happen if I stop firing, so I just keep firing. I have to keep firing, up, back, forward, down Mama, 'cause Mama, this stinking wall of mud is gooey with parts of me. The part you said I had to keep full of vegetables and good stuff to make me grow strong, make me grow into a strong man. Guess it would be all right to eat even one of those hard, dark chocolate D-Bars now, Mama. Can't be worrying about your teeth when your guts are falling out of you. Those parts of me that you took such care of are seeping into the in sludge, making me part of a mud pie sliding down the incline.
"But if I stop firing, if I stop going up, back, forward, down, maybe they will come and try to move me and then all of me will just fall all out of me.
"Jesus!
"I thought, Papa, that sliding into mud was good stuff like sliding into third...or riding my bicycle through a big rain puddle getting mud on my shoes and socks.
"I thought, Mama, mud pies were things little girls served at make believe tea parties.
"I didn't know, nobody told me, I would be one with the ground shaking apart with each concussion in this place where every living green thing has ceased to be.
"This is dying, isn't it? I thought that was something you did in your bed, with your family all around, or all of sudden, like Grandpa just keeling over on the golf course one Sunday, in the sun, with his friends with him.
"I know when we die we are supposed to return to the earth from which we came. I didn't know that it could happen, that we would return to the earth, a little bit at a time, blood seeping into other blood and dirt, while we watched it, and felt it, and knew it was happening.
"I came over here to help. I didn't know I came over here to stay. I didn't know I came over here to be part of here, dripping into the here.
"I can't see the wall anymore.
"I don't know if I am holding the weapon anymore, or even if I have hands to hold it.
"I don't even know if I am breathing anymore.
"I seem to be looking down.
"I can't hear anything but quiet and yet I can see the sky still lighting up.
"Mama, Mama, I'm leaving here. Seem to be floating away from here.
"It is quiet. It is nice, full of sweet, soft light.
"Mama, why is Grandma here waiting for me?
"I am coming home, aren't I Mama?
"Why is she here waiting for me, and not you?
"Mama?
"Jesus?
How do you, how did you, see war?
The Endless Voice of Those Who Know War - HOW Can You Remain Silent?. Remy Benoit
From Congressman Jim McDermott Wartime and Our Soldiers.
War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Bernard Edelman: Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam.
Jim Abrams from the AP: Legislative Victory: Omvig Suicide Prevention Bill Passes House 417 to Zero.
What exactly does it take America to wake you up that your Veterans need your support?
Sanctions on Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP U.S. imposes sweeping sanctions on Iran
Administration targets defense ministry, military; Putin voices opposition.
If you feel that a military intervention in Iran would be counterproductive both to the U.S., to Iran, indeed, to the stability of the entire Middle East, use your voice. Only the People will stop the war
StopWarOnIran.org.
From the AP at MSNBC Democrats go on record opposing Iran strike
Bitten by Iraq war vote, lawmakers cast leery eye on new sanctions.
Asking too much....of even the Long Gray Line?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway of the McClatchy Newspapers Galloway column: Asking too much of too few.
From the AP at MSNBC Army to examine Iraq contracts for fraud
Probe focuses on Army office in Kuwait that gave $2.8 billion in contracts.
From the AP at MSNBC State Department to force diplomats to Iraq
Lack of volunteers prompts agency to impose Baghdad service on some.
If you want Congress to bring this all to resolution, then all of Congress, including those standing in the way of resolution, must be made to hear your voice.
Anti-War Protests. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Protesters in U.S. cities call for end to Iraq war
Thousands gathered to call an end to hostilities in NYC, L.A. and other cities.
For those of you too young to "have been there,"
this walk Down History Lane with Phil Ochs at You Tube I Ain't Marching Anymore.
The Artist's - The Writer's - Eye. Remy Benoit
The artist and the writer share much in common - that common ground is that they take what they see of life and its artifacts and put them into new forms, into new words.
Every writer and artist I know will tell you that the work comes through, not from, them.
Visit with Jerry Wennstrom in a movie made by Carol Wright to see what new life an old Piano has taken through his hands. Jerry Wennstrom: The Piano.
If your story, in whatever form, is ready to come out, welcome it, rejoice in it, laugh and cry with it. You may read the story of how Jerry Wennstrom re-found his art at The Inspired Heart: An Artist’s Journey of Transformation.
One of my favorite writers is Ray Bradbury. He has so very much to offer you in Zen in the Art of Writing. Don't let the title frighten you - this is prime Bradbury - direct - enlightening - encouraging - full of wisdom - full of the joy of writing.
With the world the way we have let it be made, this is good advice from Mr. Bradbury.
If there are so scraps of artifacts about that you see new life in, accept the challenge, and start putting them together.
If there are words aching to get out, sit down at the keyboard, pick up a pen and paper, and let them flow.
If you need help with the latter, join me at Editing: Your Words - Your Way.
And please, do take advantage of the Free Writing Seminar Here: Using History for Healing and Writing.
And if you have never read this one, don't let one more day go by without enjoying its delight.
From Fortune City The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms - The Fog Horn by Ray Bradbury.
On the ground and questioning. Remy Benoit
From Joshua Parlow of The Washington Post at Truthout "I Don't Think This Place is Worth Another Soldier's Life".
At home and questioning - from the IAVA President Bush and Congress Dawdle While Veterans Continue to Suffer GAO Report Reveals Little Progress Made Since Walter Reed Crisis.
Again, what does it take for us to stand by our soldiers, our Veterans? Make the calls - write the letters - send the e-mails - and do it now! The Veterans are family. They are not separate from us - like the soldiers on active duty, the Veterans are us.
From John Cory, Vietnam Veteran - a story to get your attention - to make it personal. Clean
Up on Aisle 6.
UN Concern About Allegations. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Anti-Iran rhetoric worries U.N. nuke watchdog
ElBaradei says he has no evidence Tehran is developing nuclear weapons.
War is not something to be waged recklessly.
From Father Andrew Greeley, The Chicago Sun-Times, at Truthout Why Those Who Love America Are Feeling Brokenhearted.
Iraq - possible dam collapse. Remy Benoit
From Amit R. Paley, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Iraqi dam seen in danger of deadly collapse
Failure could unleash a trillion-gallon wave of water, killing up to 500,000.
Fake FEMA Press Conference. Remy Benoit
From Michael Rey at CBS "I Should Have Cancelled" Fake FEMA Press Briefing.
A Progressive Viewpoint. Remy Benoit
From Simon Rosenberg and Peter Leyden, Mother Jones, at Truthout The 50-Year Strategy: A New Progressive Era (No, Really!).
Down History Lane with:
The Muckrakers. who changed our country for the better.
If you don't know the untiring work of these people, then its homework time again. Their vision, their efforts help to grow this country.
From Jason Beaubien at NPR Missouri Sees Teen Offenders as Kids, Not Inmates.
Accusations of Military Injustices. Remy Benoit
From Daniel Zwerdling at NPR Respected Marine Lawyer Alleges Military Injustices.
Review: Ed Tick - War and the Soul. Remy Benoit
Now you are:
son—daughter
mom—dad
husband—wife
friend—lover
You are home.
It is over—
It is never over.
Rank does not matter anymore. The decisions are yours now. Yet those with whom you served are forever, inextricably, a part of you.
When you went in country, wherever that was, the you who went in was a different you than the you who came back to the world. That you, the you of innocence, did not come home; couldn’t possibly come home, having come to know what the survivor you knows, what the survivor you has experienced.
A new you, an infinitely more complicated you; a you of lost innocence, at almost every level, has come home.
And home looks and feels different.
And everyone looks different.
And you have all changed.
You cringe, or hit the ground, at noises commonplace while they carry on with the everyday of the life they know.
Shadows lurk, scurry into and out of the dark, as if a dark collage artist were pasting over the new reality you are experiencing with the old you had hoped to have left behind.
You wake up screaming.
Sit facing doors.
And no matter what you wear, you still feel naked, weak, without your weapon sleeping next to you, without the powerfully protective feeling of your weapon in your hand.
You are home; yet still adrift in sand; yet still treading on the floor of the jungle with the thickly twisted canopy keeping out the light; yet still crawling into dank, stinking holes in the mountains. You are home; yet in a seemingly parallel universe that weaves in and out of the world you are told that you live in now; a fluctuating Twilight Zone, beyond even Serling’s imagination, where apple pies morph into Daisy Cutters, where the crunch of a nut cracker on a walnut amps into an IED exploding under, around, next to you.
Welcome Home.
Dr. Edward Tick has an awesome gift for you—a road map that will put you on the path to re-connect your conflicting parallel worlds into one that is manageable for you.
Any soldier, any civilian, who has known war has known it as the experience of living on the edge, of knowing life most sharply honed while death and destruction steam, reek, explode all around; but the modern soldier also is burdened at soul level with the very real possibility of war’s escalation to the ultimate destruction. That burden, like all the others, is also carried by his soul.
Dr. Tick’s War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder explores, unearths, de-mystifies the myths of war. Its wisdom is applicable to the veterans of any nation or time. It brings home war’s verities, and it will help to bring you home, as with him you unravel what you are feeling, why you are feeling it; find that the others who were there feel what you feel, and know what you know—illuminates what those at home have to be brought to comprehend.
War and the Soul will help you understand where all those missing soul pieces have gone. It will guide you in fetching them back. It will make you know that what you are feeling is a normal, not an abnormal, reaction to a chaos of war unleashed on your body, mind, soul, and spirit.
With clarity in dissecting the myths of war; by sharing Veterans’ stories, observations, experiences, and nightmares, Dr. Tick helps guide you a to a new place where you can understand the impact of war on you and begin to step out of its chaos. If you want to come home, War and the Soul is the road map you need.
Yes, you need physical, mental therapy to leave the chaos of war for the order of “normal” life. But deep healing calls for soul and spiritual re-alignment. For that, Dr. Tick is there with cultural myths, with compassion and understanding, with the cultural rituals necessary for re-initiation into society. He is the spiritual shaman, the soul reviver whom you need to begin your real journey home.
War and the Soul is a book every soldier, every veteran, every civilian needs to read—and tell others about. It brings a new perspective to war, and to the healing of those we send to fight. We—all of us—need to understand these things if any soldier anywhere is ever to truly come home.
War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Vets At Risk for Suicide. Remy Benoit
From Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press, at Truthout Iraq, Afghan Vets at Risk for Suicides.
The Children. Remy Benoit
At You Tube We, the children of Iran.
Blackwater Investigation Continues. Remy Benoit
From Arom Roston at MSNBC Did Blackwater sneak silencers into Iraq?
Security firm under investigation for allegedly sidestepping export controls.
From Jeremy Scahill at The Huffington Post State to Blackwater: Nothing You Say Can and Will Be Used Against You in a Court of Law.
Joe Galloway: Inexorable March to War With Iran?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Inexorable march toward war with Iran?.
May I suggest Barbara Tuchman's work?
The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam. and The Guns of August.
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Democrats Stand Back as War Funding Continues.
By our Consitution, war making powers reside with Congress. Perhaps they need to be reminded of that. Contracting the Congress.
Petition: Stop Iran War.
From General Wes Clark at Securing America The Next War.
One way war can be averted is to use diplomacy. That means you speak with the opposition - directly - hopefully utilizing experts who understand the culture, language, position, history of our relations with said country. Macho politics are not the answer. Rational thinking, recognition of positions, and talking them through - that is diplomacy. That is what you do before you spend lives. As General Clark notes: War is the last, last resort. not the first choice. Ask the soldiers who have been there. This Congress was not elected to enable - it was elected to use its inherent powers. Its members don't seem to get that - it is always next year we will. How many more have to die and be disabled before they stop with the next years.Or perhaps someone has a secret plan to end the war.? Where have I heard that before?
Urging Bettter Health Care for Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Peter Baker, Washington Post at MSNBC Revamp Urged for Care of Veterans Bush Forwards His Proposals To Congress.
From the IAVA New VA Secretary: Veterans React General James Peake Must Meet the Needs of a New Generation of Veterans.
From the IAVA Veteran's Day Activities. Remy Benoit
Waterboarding. Remy Benoit
If we cannot bring ourselves to define waterboarding as torture, what have we become?
Once more, key Democrats act as enablers. From CNN Bush attorney general nominee gets key Democratic support.
Down History Lane with The St. Petersburg Times and Robyn Blumner We sentenced Japanese for this.
From Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont On The Nomination Of Michael B. Mukasey. Read or Listen to Senator Leahy.
Who are we, America?
Expanding Blackwater into Spying?. Remy Benoit
From Dana Hedgpeth, The Washington Post, at Truthout Blackwater's Owner Has Spies for Hire.
War Stories. Remy Benoit
Read a story, share a story...preserve history. War Stories.
Serious Veteran Brain Injuries. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze, The Army Times, at Truthout VA Says Six Percent of Combat Vets Have TBIs.
Paul Sullivan - Bobby Muller. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense 11-5 VCS Update: Call Senators Today to Fix VA Crisis and End Torture.
From Bobby Muller at Veterans for America Serious Veteran Issues.
The real questions are:
Does America have Common Sense when it comes to Veterans;
Are Americans for their Veterans?
You need to answer those questions and make the calls.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann at MSNBC's Countdown Special Comment.
Torture is torture - the person who becomes our Attorney General should be able to define such a term.
We need to decide who we are and stand up for that.
From Military.com Voice of Experience: It's Torture.
The Wall. Remy Benoit
From Michael E. Ruane, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Engraved in their minds
Veterans, Vietnam forever with them, returning to memorial as it turns 25.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
From You Tube Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25th Anniversary - VOA Story.
Nomination for Attorney General, and more. Remy Benoit
From Manu Raju, The Hill, at Truthout Democrats Hit Out at Mukasey's Torture Pledge.
Torture is not the only issue here - the extent of the balance of power called for by our Constitution is also at stake.
From the AP at MSNBC Debate on Cheney impeachment averted
The Kucinich resolution accuses Cheney of leading country to war.
With all due respect to Speaker Pelosi, once again, that precious document, our Constitution, determines when impeachment is on or off the table. The possibilities for that were clearly spelled out over 200 years ago. Perhaps the Congress needs to remember that is their guideline, not party politics.
And from Tom Brokaw at MSNBC - a new look at the '60's
Tom Brokaw explores the turbulent ’60s
In latest book, retired NBC anchor puts another generation in perspective.
Blackwater . Remy Benoit
From Steve Fainaru, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Blackwater shooting called unprovoked
But State Department clears security team in killing of three Iraqi guards.
From Jeremy Scahill, The Huffington Post, at Truthout State to Blackwater: Nothing You Say Can and Will Be Used Against You in a Court of Law.
Agent Orange/VA/and More. Remy Benoit
From Laura Parker at USA Today Disability fight over Agent Orange revisited.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Nov. 6 Special Update: News About VCS Lawsuit Against VA.
From Senator Harry Reid at Veterans for Common Sense Senate Majority Leader Reid Claims President Bush Failed to Provide Adequate Care and Benefits to Veterans.
From Twenty-four Former Intelligence and National Security Officials at Common Dreams Former US Intelligence Officers: On Mukasey and Waterboarding.
From Jim Hightower Stand Up, Congress.
From Marc Ash at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Chuck Schumer's Senate - Approving Mukasey and Ignoring Torture.
From Aaron Glantz at KPFA Radio, Veterans for Common Sense Pentagon Increases the Number of 'Moral Waivers' to Meet Recruit Shortage Due to Iraq War.
John Cory: The Cost of War. Remy Benoit
From John Cory, Buzz Flash, at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: The Cost of of the Iraq War.
Sparking Debate on Iraq?. Remy Benoit
From Manu Raju and Mike Soraghan, The Hill, at Truthout House, Senate Democrats Plan Another Iraq Strategy.
New Attorney General and A Lot More. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Senate confirms Mukasey as attorney general
Bush nominee wins backing for post despite waterboarding flap.
From Renee Schoof at the McClatchy Newspapers Two Democrats move to outlaw waterboarding.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Is waterboarding torture? Yes.
From Patricia J. Williams at The Nation Diary of a mad law professor Judicial Activism in a Time of No Irony.
From the AP at Veterans for Common Sense More Reservists Report Job Problems After Serving in Iraq War - VCS Quoted.
From Brattleboro, Vermont, The Reformer Move to Impeach Not Another Distraction.
From the AP at Military.com Bush Vows Better Medical Care For Vets. How many years, how many decades, have we heard this? When will the vows end and the fulfillment begin? That is up to you, using your voice, to insist on it.
From David Antoon, Truthdig, at Truthout The Cancer From Within.
From William J. Astore at Tom Dispatch Tomgram: William Astore, If We Lose Iraq, You're to Blame.
Some suggested reading:
The United States Constitution.
George Orwell - 1984.
Sinclair Lewis - It Can't Happen Here.
Charles Sheehan-Miles - Republic: A Novel of America's Future.
Down History Lane with Kevin Baker at Harpers Magazine Stabbed in the back! The past and future of a right-wing myth.
We need a new mythology - can you help write it for us?
Time for a New GI Bill. Remy Benoit
From JIM WEBB and CHUCK HAGEL an OP-ED from The New York Times A Post-Iraq G.I. Bill.
FEMA Trailers. Remy Benoit
From Spencer S. Hsu at The Washington Post Lawmakers Criticize FEMA's Handling of Hazards Posed by Trailers.
The post-Katrina handling of this disaster is a national disgrace. No one accepts culpability for the oh so slow implementation of anything. It is horrid enough to lose everything - to still be a first base in recovery at this point is simply unacceptable in this country. Again, I remind you, if your roads, your levees, your dams, your bridges need work, do not let your local authorities put you off on repairs until disaster occurs and your National Guard is not at home to assist you in a crisis.
Afghanistan - '07 Dealiest Year for U.S. Troops. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC AP: Deadliest year for U.S. in Afghanistan
Six GIs killed in ambush, raising number of Americans killed in '07 to 101.
From Bob Filner House Veterans' Affairs Committee at Veterans for Common Sense Chairman Filner: In 2008 VA Expects to Treat 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in VA Hospitals.
From Rick Maze at Army Times Faster OK sought for Agent Orange claims.
From Salt Lake City: Mayor Rocky Anderson. Remy Benoit
Address by Mayor Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson on October 27, 2007.
This should help to wake up the candidates, and the American people, to a protection of our Constitution and our way of life. Can't wait to see your comments on this one! It is very hard to believe that in a country of this size and diversity, the current candidates are the best we can come up with. Perhaps one of them will read Mayor Anderson's speech and remember what a true Patriot is all about - standing up for the country and its Constitution - and yes, its Veterans - not simply their own personal political power agenda.
From Kelley Puente, Press-Telegram Anti-war vets slam parade ban Veterans Day Parade organizers say they want L.B. event to be free from politics.
Happy Veteran's Day!. Remy Benoit
When I was a child, a very young child, my very favorite story was one that written close to three quarters of a century before I was born, George MacDonald’s, The Princess and the Goblin.
I can still feel that book in my hand – it was heavy in the way of old books, with a deep maroon cover, heavy beige paper. I have several copies of it now in my china closet – different editions, hard backed, paper backed, but its message
is carried in my heart.
The Princess and her young companion, Curdie, are victorious over the goblins – the forces who dwell in the dark..
It was a child’s way, a child already on her way to becoming an historian, of learning about the Light, about the Dark. It is a popular tale, told in oh so many ways - most recently in Frodo’s courage which Tolkien gave us in such a vivid way; in Lucas’ Star Wars stories.
Late last night when I was very tired, I received an e-mail asking a question – someone wanting to understand where spirituality came into my work. The question truly floored me as to me the answer is so obvious; but then I think as an historian thinks.
We marvel over all the wonders of the ancient world – gasp at the sheer vastness of the Pyramids, of the Great Wall of China – even at the spider webbing of powerful locomotives that once helped to expand, to build our own nation. Yet we need to ask the human price for their construction.
We cringe at the horrors of the fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory where young girls died in such pain – our minds cannot grasp the scope of the Holocaust - or the blood that crimsoned the sea at the Normandy beaches. Yet we need to question the human weaknesses that allowed them.
What has this got to do with the Princess and her Curdie – with Frodo and Sam – that too is pretty obvious to me – it has to do with a vision – with a dream – with what some might call an impossible dream – it has to do with the battle between the forces of Light and the forces of the Dark – it has to do with spirituality – its growth, its emergence, and hopefully, and there are signs of this everywhere – and hopefully with its fruition.
Centuries ago, Britain’s nobles forced The Magna Carta on King John. Were their motives purely altruistic? No – that’s a given – but they made a step forward – they took a step that thousands upon thousands of generations ached for – a step toward the individual rights and spiritual emergence of each and everyone of us.
Centuries passed – wars continued – slavery, serfdom, economic slavery, religious restrictions and prejudices – the Crusades – the Malleus Maleficarum ( The Witches Hammer) – of the still argued Jus Primae Noctis (The Right of the First Night) -The Divine Right of Kings – Mutually Assured Destruction - the list goes on and on and on. But underneath there, underneath all the pain filled dark days of things like hunting a rabbit to feed your family on the manor’s grounds and dying for it – of tilling fields and yielding up the crop to someone else – all the days of the subjugation of the Native Americans, of the British using native populations to serve them their tea; of the French in Indo China – all the days of all of these and more became numbered (even before they actually came into being ) when one day a number of visionary men sat down and put their signatures to a document that would light the way to LIGHT, that would overcome the dark forces of greed, of war, of me and the hell with you who are only here to serve me in whatever way I wish – with the such simple words:
Yes, we know that they then meant white males – but those words encompass everyone now – it is growth – it is the evolution of history – not only political but the evolution of the Spirit in the slowly coming understanding that each individual is precious, unique, spirit filled, and here meant to provide, through his or her purpose, something for all the rest of us.
We go forward, we fall back, but the overall movement is forward – to the emergence of self-determination – to emergence of the value of freedom at the individual level – to the emergence of the recognition of, the protection of, the individual and collective Spirit.
We have moved forward to where Dr. Wayne D. Dyer can say that you are a spiritual being having a human experience and people are listening.
We have moved forward to the place where Al Gore can sound his wake up call for the protection of the planet if we wish it to survive and people are listening.
And who, disguised as Dick and Jane American, protect the spirit of those precious words – our Veterans whose blood flowed at Normandy; whose blood flowed and froze in Korean snow – whose blood fed into the tunnels at Cu Chi – whose blood was and is absorbed into Middle Eastern sand. We can see the flow of blood – we cannot, because we refuse to, see the soul pieces flying off of those we send to control the forces of the Dark. They, despite the truths of why a particular war was started; despite the competence, or incompetence of its planners, suppliers, implementers, they, those American Dick and Jane’s are there to protect the emergence of the Light in those precious words penned by that incredibly, all too human, very complex, red-headed man from Virginia who changed the words life, liberty, and property to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What a difference a few words make – words that will lead us, albeit slowly, oh so painfully, oh so expensively into the Light where the spirit of each and everyone across the globe will be allowed to shine. That is not to say that everyone else must do it our way – that would not be good – that would not be healthy – indeed, that is not possible – they must do their way, based in their traditions and cultures – but freedom is a thing given birth to by the speaking of the word – by the sharing of the word – by the example of living the word - by the coming fruition of the word.
And that brings me back to the answer to question – where is the spiritual in what I do – it is everywhere. It is in every life ever lived on this planet that reached out to touch it, that honored it, even if ways we abhor, cannot comprehend – but life always reaching out to the Light, despite the attempts of the Mordor where ever, whenever it tries to call its way up.
Each of us is a Keeper of the Light – if we move toward it – if we embrace it.
On the larger scale our Soldiers, our Veterans are the Keepers of the Light.
Perhaps our lack of concern for them: perhaps our lack of honoring them with the proper supplies, indeed, with proper war plans and blood lusted all too casual votes for war; with lack of proper, respectful, and timely Veteran care shows us just how far we have yet to travel toward the Light. But travel toward it we will.
Soul pieces have been shattered all through history. This is the time, with spiritual beings having a human experience to give serious thought to eliminating the things in the world that cause Post Traumatic Stress – things like empty bellies, like cold dirt floors for sleeping on; like a thousand other things we are heir to, but more than capable of changing.
To our Veterans who so honor those Words of Light – thank you for the courage of showing up to protect them.
We will continue to try to get countries, starting now, and here, to recognize that you need us now – to Keep the unspoken Covenant, be there for us and we will be there for you.
Somehow I feel that if we really learn that; if we really learn to listen to you; to understand the hell you have been through, we just might move another step closer to the Light and make war passe. Perhaps that day will come when we truly accept, not just listen to, the fact that we are not spirit trapped in finite containers, but spirit unimaginably, today at least unimaginably, immense and filled with the power to realize those words in everyone’s life bringing only joy, not pain. Spirit coming through can heal the collective Post Traumatic Stress Disorder of millennia that binds us in fear, rather than frees us in hope; that restricts us in hate, rather than expands us in love; that keeps us from eternally asking if what is being told us is true, or just another move to self-serving avarice and power seeking.
Happy Veteran’s Day – our thanks, our hands, our hearts, and our Spirits walk with you as we all try to move closer to the Light - to the place where we can stop making Veterans.
After all, In the Beginning was the Word. Our co-creative role is continue to find the right, the Spiritual words, and live up to - and beyond them.
Blessings to all,
Miz’ Remy
Man of the Year is playing on cable this week. If you are tired of the same old, same old candidates and debates, you don't want to miss this one!
New England's Own. Remy Benoit
From Boston.com New England's Own: The Journey Home from Iraq for One Marine Battalion.
This is what war does - these are the ones we leave behind to find their own way through the system - to make their way home.
Wake up, America - be there for them! Don't take anymore words of what is going to be done for them. Stand up and make it happen. Now.
From The New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Veterans Without Health Care.
HR 333. Remy Benoit
From Joseph A. Palermo at The Huffington Post Support HR 333 - Impeach Cheney!
From Erwin Chemerinsky at The Baltimore Sun Break through Bush administration's executive privilege roadblock.
From Craig and Kathie Jamison Cote at The Bangor Daily News, Common Dreams Our Son Cannot Win an Iraqi Civil War.
From Glenn Greenwald, Salon, at Common Dreams Dianne Feinstein - Bush’s Key Ally in The Senate - To Support Telecom Amnesty.
From David Martin, CBS, at Truthout New Law May Spell End to Iraq Contractors.
From Penny Coleman at AlterNet Veterans' Suicides: a Hidden Cost of Bush's Wars.
Wounded Warrior Registry. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America VFA Wounded Warrior Registry.
What are the wars costing you?. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC Report: Wars cost average U.S. family $20,000
Democrats say hidden costs double price of conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan.
Those are dollars - that is the impact you feel if you are just going about your daily business.
But what is the war costing those who serve and their families? For some of those answers, join Bobby Muller and others at Veterans for America.
From WCVB - TV 5 at Veterans for Common SenseMentally Ill Veterans Sent Back to War.
From Barbara Barrett The News and Observer at Truthout A Broken Vow, a Soldier's Torment.
What is the war costing us at the national soul level when we can't find leaders who can define torture?
From James Carroll at The Boston Globe Primitive impulses of war.
From John Nichols at The Nation at Truthout 11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month.
John Keegan: The First World War. This respected historian opens his book with the assertion that this war did not have to happen. Something to think about. For more, see Barbara W. Tuchman: The Guns of August. and Is the Military Our Last, Best Hope for Averting War with Iran?.HR 333."Let's Say Thanks". Remy Benoit
Send a free postcard to someone in active service!
You may also send holiday greetings to:
Blackwater - Depression - Funding. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Report: Blackwater Killings Unjustified.
From the AP at Military.com Increased Depression Among Iraq Vets.
From The History Channel Baghdad Diary - November 17th.
From the AP at Military.com Reid to Bush: No Troop Returns, No $50b.
From Maya Schewar at Truthout Bush Can Use Defense Budget for War.
From Jonathan Schell, TomDispatch.com, at Truthout Are You With Us, or Against Us?: The Road From Washington to Karachi to Nuclear Anarchy.
This is FEMA...live!. Remy Benoit
From Jim Hightower THE LATEST FEMA FIASCO.
From the USGS USGS Cameras Capture Dramatic Wildfire-Wildlife Images.
War Bill. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC House passes war bill tied to withdrawal
Bush has promised to veto largely symbolic $50 billion package.
From Josh White at The Washington Post
Republicans Seek Retraction of Report on Wars' 'Hidden Costs'.
From James Pethokoukis, U.S. News and Capital Commerce Is the Iraq War Costlier Than Doing Nothing?.
If you are writing your story and need editing help, please visit with me at Gentle Editing: Your words - your way.
Report from Veterans for America: Trends in Treatment. Remy Benoit
Veterans For America Releases Major Report: Trends In Treatment Of America’s Wounded Warriors.
Story time!. Remy Benoit
This is a story by Clark Ashton Smith at Eldritch Dark Eldritch Dark.
The story does not foresee a lively future for mankind, but there is something in it that reminds us of the things we have done, are doing, that are causing us problems. Perhaps you may want to read his 1931 story An Adventure in Futurity. and comment on it; or write your own version of the future of human life on this planet.
Remember, if you are writing a book and need editing help, visit with me at Gentle Editing: Your words - your way.
Defining Torture - Defining Ourselves. Remy Benoit
From Anthony Piel at Truthout A Primer on the Law of Torture.
What exactly does the law say? Who is "anyone?". Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News at Truthout Halfway Measures on Bush's Tribunals. Listen to the Video.
From Joshua Freedman at NPR Study Maps Activity of Swing Voters' Brains.
Book Notes:
A review of Lonnie Story's Book Review: The Meeting of Anni Adams:The Butterfly of Luxembourg. You may read my review of this exceedingly interesting work The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.
Also, do take note of Charles Sheehan-Miles Republic: A Novel of America's Future. This is a book that just might keep you up at night - and make you take a stand - now while you can.
Do you have two minutes to honor our Veterans?. Remy Benoit
War. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Senate votes to block Iraq war funds
Republicans halt Iraq withdrawal plan and block bill to pay for Iraq. The battle lines have been drawn up over these issues. You can use your voice to let your Senators know what you think.
Down History Lane with two different views of what war asks for of us from the time of WWI.
Who’ll toe the line for the signal to ‘Go!’?
Who’ll give his country a hand?
Who wants a turn to himself in the show?
And who wants a seat in the stand?
Who knows it won’t be a picnic—not much—
Yet eagerly shoulders a gun?
Who would much rather come back with a crutch
Than lie low and be out of the fun?
Come along, lads— but you’ll come on all right—
For there’s only one course to pursue,
Your country is up to her neck in a fight,
And she’s looking and calling for you.
From Dr Esther MacCallum-Stewart, some comments on the writing of Ms. Pope and on war writing itself.Break of Day in the Trenches.
This is a totally different view of war.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.
What are your thoughts on war?
If you write you will find these thoughts by P.M. Rodriguez on the benefits of writing by hand in a notebook of interest to you. Do you write by hand; do you write on a computer? Which method would you defend as the only way to write? Visit with The Ruricolist Writing on the Computer.
If you are writing your own book and need help with it, please visit with me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
From Renee Schoof, The McClatchy Newspapers Senator(Dick Durbin-D-Ill): U.S. has become haven for war criminals.
From Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Blackwater's Brothers.
For Boomer Do-Wop Fans. Remy Benoit
When I was growing up, Hy Lit was our DJ-spinning those songs that have become our Oldies but goodies.
You can rock on with Hy Lit - Rock and Country.
And Hyski has added a new feature for us - Hy Lit Search Engine. Go for it - it works.
And to Hy Lit - thanks for all the joy all these years. Rock On!
Let's take a Rockin' Walk Down History Lane
with some of the greatest.
From CCR at You Tube Fortunate Son. and Suzie Q.
From The Village People at You Tube YMCA.
From Bob Dylan - ah, I remember the "Come Back Concert" was amazing - from You Tube Like a Rolling Stone.
From Joan Baez at You Tube, one of my all time favorites Diamonds and Rust.
From Chubby Checker at You Tube The Twist.
From Bobby Rydell at You Tube - who could forget Swinging School.
From Frankie Avalon at You Tube Venus.
Remember - mixing music across the water - remember the British Invasion?
Remember it all - write it down - it is our history - we are the Boomers! and we are, as Queen points out at You Tube We Are the Champions.
No wall flowers allowed - get on your feet - remember the dreams - follow them, yes, even now - claim them as your own and go for them - remember the vision - reclaim it - on your feet 'cause it is a CAN DO if we get on our feet and do it!
Gloria did it - the getting back on the feet thing - big time, so let's end our little trip Down History Lane with Miz' Gloria Estefan at You Tube Get On Your Feet. and MAKE IT HAPPEN - You are the voice of your Constitution - sing it loud and clear!
Okay, a little Lagniappe, a little something extra as is the Louisiana way - who could ever forget Phil Ochs - Chicago 1968.
Choice of Debate Questions on CNN - well now.... Remy Benoit
From Tobin Harshaw The New York Times at Truthout CNN and the Questionable Question.
Norman Mailer. Remy Benoit
Ever the very talented, outspoken, and controversial writer, Norman Mailer passed on this month.
This piece of his was first published in 2003 in The New York Review of Books.
While I heartily disagree with his main premise, as well as a number of other things, this essay should spark you to reactions - and maybe, some writing of your own in response.
At Common Dreams The White Man Unburdened.
The Armies of the Night: History as a Novel, the Novel as History.
Remember, if you are writing a book and in need of help, visit with me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
With this week the beginning of holiday thinking about gift giving, may I suggest a copy of my Loving available here for those on your list who wonder about the power of unconditional love to heal - even the wounds of war. My additional titles, Letty, Island Quilts, and Peace, Now are available by clicking on the link to your left. Do read the excerpts, and find the power of love to heal.
In Memoriam. Remy Benoit
I was so saddened this morning to receive an e-mail from a high school friend letting me know that the DJ of our youth, a man who has carried on bringing music to millions for decades, has just passed on.
Hy Lit brought us so much wonderful music, so many happy memories. We will miss him. Our condolences to his family.
To you Hyski-Thank you for all the joy - Rock On!
From Michael Klein at The Philadelphia Inquirer Hy Lit dead at 73.
Blackwater Guards Subpoenaed. Remy Benoit
From Brian Ross and Pierre Thomas ABC News at Truthout Blackwater Guards Subpoenaed by Federal Grand Jury.
First Amendment Rights?. Remy Benoit
From Ralph E. Shaffer and R. William Robinson, The Baltimore Sun, at Common Dreams Here Come the Thought Police.
Somehow, I don't think this is the kind of legislation that was fought for in the snow of Korea, the surf at Normandy, the jungle heat. Speak up, while you still can.
Here is the vote on H.R. 1955 H.R. 1955.
Charles Sheehan-Miles Republic: A Novel of America's Future.
And what about Fourth Amendment Rights? From Maya Schenwar and Matt Renner at Truthout Democrats Face Uphill Battle in Rolling Back Spy Powers.
And Second Amendment Rights? From Robert Barne at The Washington Post High Court to Hear D.C. Gun Ban Case.
Your donations will help me continue to be here for you. Thanks so much.
What is Best for You? Writing on the Computer or Writing in a Notebook?. Remy Benoit
Do join the discussion with P.M. Rodriguez at Notebookism Writing on the computer.
Former Press Secretary McClelland Has Something to Say. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC McClellan blames Bush for CIA leak deceit
Former spokesman says both president and vice president involved.
Reps Obey and Murtha. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC House Democrat calls Pentagon 'despicable'
Murtha denounces Defense Department for 'scaring people' in funds fight.
Got you motor still running?. Remy Benoit
For all us Boomers with our aches and pains, meds, visions and dreams still cooking, have some fun here with Walt Handlesman at Newsday.
Vet with PTSD Arrested. Remy Benoit
From Jeffrey McMurray, Associated Press, Seattle Times at Veterans for Common Sense Another Iraq War Veteran Hospitalized for PTSD Arrested by Army for Going AWOL.
Review-Charles Sheehan-Miles : Republic: A Novel of America's Future . Remy Benoit
For my review of this thought provoking tale well told, please join me at Republic: A Novel of America's Future by Charles Sheehan-Miles. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on See all customer reviews on the left side of the page.
Happy Thanksgiving. Remy Benoit
When you sit down to the table with your loved ones today, give thanks. All may not seem perfect, and probably never will be "perfect" but you are here;
you are here with a chance to make difference;
to do what only you can do.
Say a prayer of gratitude for knowing sunrises that bring incredible opportunities to work for a better world for all of us.
The only way, as Gandhi pointed out, to have the world you want, is to be that way yourself.
To those of you wearing the uniform and far from home today, our prayers are with you for you safe return and with your families who are so missing you. Thank you for what you endure for us.
Blessings and peace to all,
Miz' Remy
From the AP at Truthout Ex-Iraq Commander Says Bring Troops Home.
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Good riddance to them all.
PTSD: The War Comes Home. Remy Benoit
From Tony Newman and asha bandele at Common Dreams The War Comes Home: PTSD; Addiction; Homelessness and Suicide All Coming to a Neighborhood Near You!.
From Mark Benjamin, Salon, at Veterans for Common Sense VA Secretary Nominee Peake: Corporate Profiteering Against Iraq War Veterans?.
From Veterans for America Veterans For America Releases Major Report: Trends In Treatment Of America’s Wounded Warriors.
From theyrereal at The Daily Kos 6,000 soldiers claim persecution by "Christian" evangelicals.
Why do we permit such poor care of our Veterans? Does anyone have the magic words that will get the public on its feet to say No more-give them the care they deserve now-they are us?
From the AP at Truthout Democrats' Bill on Iraq Wouldn't End War.
Brain injuries. Remy Benoit
From The Carpetbagger Report Wounded-troops tally not even close to reality.
From Colonel David Hunt, Fox News, at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column - America Has Failed Our Veterans.
NSC: Goals not met in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Karen DeYoung of The Washington Post at MSNBC White House Afghanistan report: Goals unmet
National Security Council sees no strategic gains despite combat successes.
"We the People". Remy Benoit
From Thom Hartmann, Berrett-Koehler Publishing, at Truthout Whatever Happened to "We the People"?. You may visit with Thom Hartmann.
Cracking the Code: How to Win Hearts, Change Minds, and Restore America's Original Vision.
We seem to have forgotten the concept of We the People perhaps because it seems easier to let others make the decisions. Do we think they know more than us; that they have our best interests at heart? It is pretty clear that we need to rethink those concepts and do that now.
From Paul Krugman, The New York Times, at Truthout Banks Gone Wild.
From Robert H. Reid, AP, at Army Times Probe into Iraq contract fraud centers on Camp Arifjan.
May I suggest Barbara Tuchman's The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam.
We have suffered a great loss with Ms. Tuchman's passing (1912-1989). It would be quite enlightening to be able to share her views on our situation today. Ms. Tuchman's basic questions remain unanswered: why do we so often, most often, work against our own best interests: why do we allow ourselves to be governed by folly, by "wooden headedness"; why do we work so hard for war, when we could work collectively for an active peace? Why do we still insist upon bringing the wooden horse within our gates when we know, we know, what is in it?
Do join Jerry Wennstrom at Mythic Passages for insight into the metaphor becoming reality. Timely Undoing: Metaphor Becoming Reality.
More Congressional Say in War Making. Remy Benoit
Which is what our Constitution calls for!
From Andrew Miga, AP, at Army Times Lawmaker wants stronger say in declaring war.
Looking Ahead to 2008. Remy Benoit
From Joel Brinkley at The San Francisco Chronicle Winning back the world.
From the IAVA Vet Suicide Epidemic: New Questions About Military Mental Health Screenings.
From Penny Coleman at AlterNet 120 War Vets Commit Suicide Each Week on Average.
From Rick Maze, Army Times, at Veterans for Common Sense Senate Sets Hearing for Peake on Dec. 5.
From Marjorie Cohn, Jurist Legal News and Research at AlterNet We Have to Keep Pressing Hard Against an Attack on Iran.
There are some very serious problems noted above.
The question is, what is your role in addressing them? This is a government of We the People or have we forgotten that?
New Orleans Levees. Remy Benoit
From Mark Schleifstein at NOLA Critic: Corps tried to thwart inquiry.
Difficulties Transferring Military Skills. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Veterans struggle to transfer military skills
Retired soldiers must switch focus from ‘we’ to ‘me’ to win civilian jobs.
Employers must welcome soldiers home with jobs - that is part of the "Covenant" - Be there for us, and we will be there for you. When will we learn to do that? How many have to become homeless; how many of their families have to suffer: how many have to die before we accept our responsibility?
Iraq Signposts/Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post What's That Sound? Why It's the Further Lowering of the Bar on Iraq.
From the AP at Military.com Now GOP Senators May Kill Iraq Aid.
From the AP at Military.com Killings Spur Afghan Government Walkout.
With close to 4,000 U.S. troops KIA and thousands of wounded with life altering severity - with PTSD rampant - with huge waiting lists at the VA - with the conditions at Walter Reed, et.al. - From the AP at Truthout Wounded Vets Asked to Pay Up.
Stand up, America for your Vets!
From Brian Ross, Robert Lewis, and Kate McCarthy, ABC News, at Veterans for Common Sense VCS on ABC News -- The Looming Catastrophe of Drug Abuse Among Our Iraq War Veterans.
Privacy. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Feds retreat on Amazon buyers’ identities
Subpoena pulled after ruling that protects book customers' privacy.
From Rep. Rush Holt at The Huffington Post What's Really in the RESTORE Act.
Vet Help for Jobs. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Vets Get Help in Move to Civilian Work.
From Sue Hutchison, San Jose Mercury News at Veterans for Common Sense Holiday Traffic Bad? Consider Our Troops.
An Opinion from Chris Hedges, Truthdig at Veterans for Common Sense America in the Time of Empire.
Again, let me recommend this work from Charles Sheehan-Miles Republic: A Novel of America's Future. If you click on See all reviews near the bottom of the page, you will find my review of this disturbing work.
Greetings to Soldiers. Remy Benoit
You may send holiday greetings to:
Is the e-mail you got the real thing?. Remy Benoit
Check it out at Snopes.
or at BreakTheChain.
Is someone trying to steal your identity; trying to get your cc numbers; trying to get you to sign up for something "free" that will cost you thousands?
Or is some passing along mis-information of a destructive nature?
Check it out - before you sign up - before you pass along something that just isn't the truth.
Use the InterNet wisely!
You were there - what did you hear?. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington at The Huffington Post Karl Rove's Shameless, Remorseless, Soulless Attempt to Rewrite History.
From John R. Wilke, The Wall Street Journal, at Truthout Head of Rove Inquiry in Hot Seat Himself.
From Military.com ABC News' Brian Ross on War Vets and Drug Addiction.
From Aaron Glantz, The Nation The Soldier and the Student.
From Bernie Sanders at The Nation Global Warming Is Reversible.
From Harry Maurer at The Nation Studs's People.
War, soldiers in pain, health insurance rates astronomical; global warming - perhaps we need to rethink some things and talk with those who represent us? BTW those people who represent us have great health insurance - donut holes not a problem there as they are for our elderly. There is something wrong with making Veterans and not taking care of them. There is something wrong with increasing lifespans and making those extra years miserable. There is something wrong with not taking care of the planet that provides life for us. Yes, some major rethinking is called for.
From Paul Krugman, The New York Times Winter of Our Discontent.
From The High Cost of Health Care, The New York Times at Truthout The High Cost of Health Care.
Leahy Plows the Road. Remy Benoit
From Laurie Kellman, AP, at Truthout Leahy: Bush Not Involved in Firings.
War Funding Bill. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush: Dems should OK war bill 'without strings'
President wants $196 billion for Iraq approved before Christmas.
From Ari Berman at The Nation The War Comes Home to Iowa.
Those Who Won't Be Coming Home. Remy Benoit
It is the first of December and the beginning of the holiday season.
While you are preparing festivities for your loved ones, take a moment and honor those who won't be home for the holidays.
At MSNBC Honoring the Fallen.
At CNN U.S. And Coalition Casualties.
And you may write a note of support to a wounded Veteran:
PTSD Clinic for Women Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From WKRC at Veterans for Common Sense PTSD Clinic for Female Veterans.
Anti-Terror Budget Cuts? . Remy Benoit
From the AP at Truthout White House to Cut Anti-Terror Funds>
Jolie and Pitt Making It Happen in the 9th Ward. Remy Benoit
From Doug MacCash at Nola Brad Pitt's N.O. housing efforts have Lower 9th Ward in the pink.
Lagniappe means a little something extra thrown in to sweeten things, make things nicer, to say thank you.
Yeah, thanks, many thanks to these people who are so beautifully bringing life back to so many.
Each of us has a story to tell. If you need help telling your story, please join me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
Do keep in mind that there are many ways to tell your stories. Here is a fable for you from P.M. Rodriguez at Ruricolist: Fable of the Spider and the Songbird.
If you have readers on your gift list who would enjoy stories based on real life problems of war and peace healed by the power of love, unconditional, please consider my Letty, Island Quilts, Peace, Now, and Loving. Links are here for all of them. Readers tell me, Oh, yes, I know that - I have been there too.
If you would like to make a donation to help me carry on my work here and at The Niquahanam Project: Help to Heal the World. please just click on Donations and do the PayPal thing. This is our country - We are the People - and we, together, can heal it. In healing ourselves, we help to heal the world.
Blessings to all.
Miz' Remy
Sorry, this seems to be a can't do.. Remy Benoit
I was sent the message to pass along that we can
send greetings cards to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed...well, seems that this is a "can't do."
Sorry, in oh so many ways.
Cards for Recovering Soldiers.
Iraq Money Trail. Remy Benoit
From Damien Cave, New York Times, at Truthout Nonstop Theft and Bribery Are Staggering Iraq.
As the blizzard blows.... Remy Benoit
From Robert Siegel NPR April Fool's: New England Suffers Maple Woes.
Laughter does keep us going!
Iraq Commander Shares With Troops. Remy Benoit
From Jamie Tarabay at NPR Iraq Commander Shares Sentiments on Troops.
From Kate Wiltrout, the Virginian-Pilot, at Military.com She Wants Things He Carried.
How much are these wars impacting on your life? Why do we work so hard for war, and why do we work so little for peace?
Your donations help keep my work to raise awareness for the needs of our Veterans going. Just click on donations. Thank you. If you need help with your book, please join me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
Re-writing History?. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington Will Hill Kill Bill for Lying About Iraq?.
Isn't it time for some real questions-some real answers? History is not a "convenience" for candidates - it is what it is - and it about time we learned some in this country.
Our future depends on it.
Up to Date Intel on Iranian Nukes. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S.: Iran shelved nuclear arms work in 2003
But National Intelligence Estimate cites continued uranium enrichment.
From CNN U.S. report: Iran stopped nuclear weapons work in 2003.
Fear of Cholera Crisis in Baghdad. Remy Benoit
From David Smith, The Observer UK, at Truthout Cholera Crisis Hits Baghdad.
On the homefront. Remy Benoit
From Bill Quigley at Truthout HUD Sends New Orleans Bulldozers and $400,000 Apartments for the Holidays.
From Robert Weitzel at Truthout The Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act: A Tutorial in Orwellian Newspeak.
From Jay Evensen at the Deseret Morning News, Salt Lake City at Common Dreams First, we ditch No Child Left Behind.
Congress Takes on Credit Card Firms. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Members of Congress take-on credit card firms
Critics say some companies boost rates even when customers pay on time.
If your life and credit have been impacted by unjust and usurious rates, perhaps this is the time to let your Senator know that you are not pleased with that and seek to see it stopped and to see rates retroactively adjusted to fair ones, and recompense given.
Who is responsible for this?
Who answers for this?
Tell Senate if you want Peake as Next Head of VA. Remy Benoit
"Just one click" from Veterans for Common Sense U.S. Senate Committee.
Positions. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at MSNBC Democrats talk Iran, diplomacy at NPR debate.
From the AP at CNN U.S. defense secretary makes unannounced visit to Iraq.
From NPR Download the Debate.
From the AP at Military.com Shorter Iraq Tours Still a Year Away.
From NPR Petraeus: Alliances Crucial as Troops Leave Iraq.
From Walter Cronkite and David Krieger at Truthout Our Troops Must Leave Iraq.
From Joseph L. Galloway, McClatchy Newspapers, at Truthout A Day Late and a Dollar Short.
S 1959. Remy Benoit
S. 1959: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.
What problems can ambiguity of language lead to? Just something to consider.
VCS Statement in Opposition to Appointment of Peake to Head VA. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan and Veterans for Common Sense Dec. 5: VCS Issues Strong Statement Against Peake's Nomination to be VA Secretary.
Is there a better way?. Remy Benoit
Tired of fear ruling lives?
Tired of despair at it all?
Trying to find some meaning in it all?
Visit with artist, writer, lecturer Jerry Wennstrom for Meaning and Distraction.
Then try this site - Evolve: Conscious Evolution - Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Imagine, working together to help each other, to share resources, to make the world a place of hope and cooperation rather than fear and war.
Hope these ideas brought a glimmer of a smile to you, and some hope for the future.
As always, it is all in our choices.
Perhaps we need to learn more -
From William Golding Thinking as a Hobby.
From Danielle Maestretti at Utne Reader Pseudo-science Debunked.
Perhaps if we can find our own way, we can be available to find the way for all life.
Peake Nomination. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze at Army Times Senators ready to grill VA nominee.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Dec. 5: VCS Issues Strong Statement Against Peake's Nomination to be VA Secretary.
Missing tapes....missing support. Remy Benoit
From Faye Fiore at the Los Angeles Times Bush loses ground with military families.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Bush May Still Bomb Iran, Despite NIE.
Tangled Webs. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Lawmakers seek probe of CIA tape destruction
White House: Bush does not recall being told about agency’s actions.
From PBS, NOW Talking About War.
From Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Blackwater's Bu$ine$$.
From Joshua Partlow at The Washington Post at MSNBC U.S. steadily losing its ‘willing’ allies in Iraq
Troops from countries still there toil in relative obscurity.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
Let's take a walk Down History Lane with the man the soldiers loved. Thanks so much, Bob, for all the memories. From 1951 Silver Bells.
Pete Seeger. Remy Benoit
From Doug Pibel at YES! Magazine
In Review :: Pete Seeger: The Power of Song.
Our songs, our words, are our stories. Let me help you along with telling your story. Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
And if you have a special some who needs healing with a story of unconditional love, do send them a copy of my Loving. Order your signed copy early to assure delivery for the holidays.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
RE: Missing Tapes. Remy Benoit
From CNN Bush: 'No recollection' of tapes.
Voices in Wartime. Remy Benoit
Healing the Wounds of War, Creating a Less Violent World. Do help any way that you can.
A Health Alert: A Virus to Be Aware Of. Remy Benoit
From Rob Stein, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Virus starts like a cold — but can be a killer
New form of adenovirus is spreading, but level of threat is unknown.
Democrats Having Problems Taking a Stand?. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington Democrats Need To Admit They Have A Problem: They Are Addicted to Backing Down.
Candidates are elected, or so it is supposed to be, to carry out, implement, the will of The People. Does D.C. remember that The People are "out there" watching them; that the economy is hurting; Veterans are not being properly cared for; the wars drag on interminably; and the nation watches with disgust the posturing and empty verbosity of those sent to carry out the demands of The People? The same is true of the candidates - all words, all about them - nothing of real meaning to The People. There comes a time when you have to take a stand - even in Congress. It is up to The People to let these people know that.
From Stephen Barr, Washington Post, at Veterans for Common Sense Bush Threatens 200,000 Jobs to Continue Lost Iraq War.
Sal Anthony: Another Time and Place. Remy Benoit
From Sal Anthony, a Vietnam Veteran at You Tube From Another Time and Place.
Thank you, Sal, this is beautiful.
Bless all of you,
Miz' Remy
Not a winter wonderland. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Ice storm leaves nearly 1 million without power
Storm tapers off, but another forecast to develop over the southern Plains.
Al Gore, Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech at The Huffington Post Read Al Gore's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech. Perhaps we need to pay more attention?
No Cuts - No Talks. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC EU threatens to boycott US-led climate talks
Nations demand Washington accept Bali document on emissions cuts.
From H. Josef Hebert, the AP, at MyWay EPA Pushed to Lower Reporting Standards.
Standing Up or Standing Down?. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Democrats Put Blank Checks Back on Table.
From Robert Parry, Consortium News at AlterNet Why the Democrats Could Lose in 2008. Is there anyone out there truly satisfied with the candidates - with their positions - with their endless and pointless verbiage? It is very hard to believe that in a country this size, with a heritage this rich, this is the best we can field - let alone that this is the best we can do. Do share your thoughts on this!
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: A critical mess on Iran.
From Ray McGovern at Comon Dreams Are Americans Really ‘Better Than That?’.
From Bob Cesna at The Huffington Post Waterboarding vs. Hammers vs. Genitals.Warning - strong language.
From By Ralph E. Shaffer and R. William Robinson at The Baltimore Sun Here come the thought police.
From Pamela Hess, the AP, at Truthout Hayden Knew of Interrogation Videotapes.
Is there a chance that the Mass Media and the Congress will begin to reflect the positions of the People? Perhaps it is time we governed by Constitution, not by fear. There is nothing in health care programs that is in conflict with the basic structures of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Senator Clinton - there just isn't. Without those, without the Bill of Rights and the rest of our Constitution, we have nothing.
Iraq Investigations, Contempt Charges, and More. Remy Benoit
From Robin Wright, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Inspector general for Iraq under investigation
FBI, Congress among those probing overspending, mismanagement charges.
From Laurie Kellman and the AP Panel Votes on Contempt for Rove, Bolten.
From the AP Data Sought on Veterans' Suicide.
From Katrina vanden Heuvel, Editor of The Nation On the Media.
The whole world is once again watching how we will addresss these and other significant issues. The question is, will we address them, or just let them do whatever to our country?
Time for Plan B?. Remy Benoit
Some very important ideas here for you to consider.
A Change in Perspective on Climate. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC UN conference adopts new global warming plan
US, EU, developing nations reach compromise on broadly worded 'roadmap'.
Joe Galloway: The Disgraceful Treatment of Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway of The McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: The disgraceful treatment of our veterans.
Perhaps, as we cannot send holiday greetings to "Recovering Soldiers" or to "Any Soldier," we should send those greetings to our Representatives and Senators, as well as to the White House, demanding care for our Veterans. Contacting Congress. Contacting the White House. We need to be their voices - we need our voices to be loud and clear - CARE FOR OUR VETERANS WITH RESPECT, WITH IMMEDIACY, WITH THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE - AND DO IT NOW.
Please, make the time, use the stamp, make the call, send the e-mail, send the faxes and make it known that we can, we must, do better - we must do it the way, by all that is moral, the way it should be done. Ask your friends, your fellow Veterans, to do the same.
From CBS at Veterans for Common Sense Veteran Suicides - How CBS Got the Numbers.
From Vic Lee KGO - TV (ABC News, San Francisco) at Veterans for Common Sense Veterans' Lawsuit Moves Forward (VCS v. VA).
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Here is a message that came in this morning from some of our Veterans to those in service.
THE CHEROKEE ROSE...both we and our daughter are veterans, and we fully understand what our troops are going thru..just forwarding our warmest wishes for good in all their lives during this holiday season..jltruitt
IAVA. Remy Benoit
IAVA Statement.
Winter Soldier.
Afghanistan - Iraq. Remy Benoit
From CNN Australian defense chief warns allies over Afghanistan war.
From David Goldstein, McClatchy Newspapers, at Truthout A Distant War Comes Home.
Veterans - PTSD -Homelessness - JAG. Remy Benoit
From Phillip Leveque, MD, Salem News (Oregon), at Veterans for Common Sense PTSD and the Psychosis Among Army Psychiatrists.
It is the holiday season - this is where many of our country's Veterans are - shame on us. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
From the IAVA Stand With Our Veterans.
From Charlie Savage, The Boston Globe Control sought on military lawyers Bush wants power over promotions.
And this view from Madeline Bunting at The Guardian, UK Our tendency to persecute others is as alive today as in medieval times.
Can you help a bit?. Remy Benoit
Paralyzed Veterans of America. Keep in mind that their numbers are growing each and everyday and that they need you.
T. Davis Bunn. Remy Benoit
Are you looking for a holiday read that will warm your heart?
T. Davis Bunn's Tidings of Comfort and Joy. is a wonderful story of finding the Light when it seems that the worst has happened to you. Do enjoy it!
To go along with this heart warming story, here is a thought that was sent to me this morning by my wonderful artist friend, Jerry Wennstrom. Hands of Alchemy.
Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me. At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called "the love of your fate" (Amor fati). Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, "This is what I need." It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment-not discouragement-you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You'll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.
A Casualty of War. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC The last days of Private Scheuerman
Father says military support system failed suicidal soldier.
Military Suicides. Remy Benoit
From the AP After Suicide, Families Wait for Answers.
Evangelism in the Military. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Truthout Military Evangelism Deeper, Wider Than First Thought.
Biometric ID's?. Remy Benoit
From Ellen Nakashima, The Washington Post, at MSNBC FBI prepares vast database of biometrics
$1 billion project to include images of irises and faces.
What ever happened to privacy? Your thoughts on this?
If you are writing a book and need help, do visit with me at Gentle Editing - Your Words - Your Way.
Your donations help keep Welcome Home functioning, - they are needed and they are most appreciated.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
How you can help a soldier!. Remy Benoit
From the USO USO Promotions & Programs Ways to Support The Troops During the Holidays.
Voices on the Air Waves. Remy Benoit
From Dean Olsher, December '06 at NPR Christmas Eve and the Birth of 'Talk' Radio.
1967 and nuthin' but 1967 music until New Year!. Remy Benoit
Ya'll go for it! Great Big Radio.
Merry Christmas! Thanks John for letting me know about this!
Blessings to All,
Miz' Remy
Merry Christmas!. Remy Benoit
There is a light rain falling and it is in the low 40's this still pre-dawn Christmas morning. We will stretch into a sunny low 60's today, while many across the country are at least knee deep in ice and snow, without power. I see upstate New York will be feeling the impact of this huge storm. Like most things in life, the idea of a White Christmas has its difficult side.
It is Christmas and we wonder, as we try once again, to create the "perfect" Christmas if such a thing exists. Jean-Luc found the prefect Christmas in the Nexus, but knew it was not real despite the intense urge to stay with its beauty and expectation fulfillment. He left and went back to what he knew was real-even though it meant saving the world-once again.
We can all take a lesson from Captain Picard. We can accept what is real and work with, work through, that. We can seek out truth in a sea of hyperbole and fear.
What is real, perhaps the only thing that is truly real, is the love, the compassion, the care and concern with which we treat our families, our extended families, indeed, our planet. We can hold onto visions of peace. It is only through that vision, through our refusal to let go of that hope, that we can come into the sun of giving back to our planet, to each other, a new creation to glorify the one we have already been given.
With those thoughts in mind, I offer you the words of John Cory, a Vietnam Veteran who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V device, 1969 - 1970. So This is Christmas.
You may also join John at John Cory.From our home to yours, across the nation, across the world, Christmas blessings and prayers that we find our way to peace-one and all.
Miz' Remy
Billy Joel - Christmas in Fallujah. Remy Benoit
From CBS at Veterans for Common Sense Billy Joel's 'Christmas in Fallujah' Hits Home Front.
From You Tube Billy Joel & Cass Dillon Performing "Christmas In Fallujah".
Reviews: Dr. Elizabeth Samet - Soldier's Heart. Remy Benoit
This is an important, and eye-opening, account of life at West Point. Do join Dr. Samet and know that the Long Gray Line is there for you.
Please join me at Elizabeth D. Samet - Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point.
Also, please join Mark Bauerlein, Professor of English at Emory with the Weekly Standard for his review. The Write Stuff The hunger for literature among student officers.
VCS Goals for 2008. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Dec. 20: VCS Announces Policy Goals to Assist Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans in 2008.
"The rich get rich, and the poor get poorer...". Remy Benoit
From Laura Ehrlich at Jim Hightower AMERICA’S GAPING ECONOMIC DIVIDE.
Down History Lane with Robert Siegel at NPR Former '60s Radical Recalls Days of Rage.
Also Down History Lane at Wikipedia Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California. and Hippie.
Where are we now - the Boomer Generation - on all sides of all the issues? Are we standing up for what we feel is right or wrong, or are we sitting down, standing down, and letting it all go?
Do you remember Mother Earth News? It is still around and its editors are asking for your vote. Vote: Are wind turbines beautiful or ugly?.
From Jim Hightower Stop making war, globalizing poverty, and trashing our Constitution America to D.C. -- Democrats included: We're mad as hell and you're not listening!.
From The Fayetteville Observer Editorial Board at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial: Army brass must answer for inattention to mental illness.
Take a stand - share your thoughts.
Locked outside the gates. Remy Benoit
From Bill Quigley at Truthout New Orleans: Locked Outside the Gates.
Down History Lane With Gene Krupa. Remy Benoit
No one can play the drums the way Gene Krupa did.
Let's take a walk Down History Lane at You Tube From 1941. Drum Boogie in a very unique way!
Jim Hightower - David Michael Green: Gifts/Thoughts for a Happier New Year. Remy Benoit
From Jim Hightower Gifts for a Happier New Year.
And, a rant from David Michael Green on several topics, with lots of reader comments - I wonder what yours will be to his words. At Common Dreams You’re Damn Right I’m Angry. Why Isn’t Everybody?.
Something to think about. Once we label someone - liberal, conservative, neo-con, radical left or right - we are causing a separation mentality - me/them. Perhaps if we could do less labeling, live without accepting constant fear messages, we might be able to open communication between people nationally and even internationally. We might be able to "brain storm," name the real problems, and set to fixing them. Just a thought.
Down History Lane: What Does the Word Peace Mean?. Remy Benoit
It is the last day of the year - time to reflect a bit before partying in the New Year. So, I am running once again a piece I put up here a few years back. It's questions remain unanswered - not acted up - truly neglected.
My best hopes for all of us across this so fragile planet. Like anything else, peace is a "can do thing" if we set our minds to us - it truly is all in the choices we make.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
I have asked some people to write on the subject: What are the major obstacles to peace? Two questions came from a friend yesterday: “Just what is peace? What does the word mean to each person?” Those are good questions.
I was driving in to work this morning, crawling along the entrance ramp to Route 10 headed into New Orleans. It was very hot and humid outside, temperatures well above normal for this time of year, and rainfall well below necessary levels. There were all kinds of vehicles stretched out along the two lane onramp. I was wondering, thinking about the people sitting behind all those steering wheels, how many were going to jobs they did not want to go to? I was wondering how many were overtired, overtaxed, and overstressed? And I was wondering how we got to the place where so many are?
Just as you get to cruise on to Route 10 itself, the two lanes merge into one. It is the custom here to let cars from the right lane slip into the left, one car from the right into the left, one moving forward, one from the right slipping into the proper place so all can get where they are going. It is all really quite civilized and courteous. That in itself is a kind of peace: making the system flow well. But the real questions come up when something in the system in flawed and the mechanisms break down, and the confrontations, conflicts begin. When there is a breakdown, an accident, the system is interfered with, time is spent sitting and waiting until it is rectified. When the ‘system’ breaks down internationally, there is war, a definite absence of peace.
I went back to my original question - How many of these people were involved in jobs and lives that did not suit them? Then the question expanded itself - why?
Some tell me that we can never have peace, that it is ingrained in us not to; that we are basically belligerent. That thought took me back to the playground bully syndrome. Generation after generation is plagued by the playground bully, yet did you ever ask yourself why he is allowed to ply his trade generation after generation? Isn’t there something that could be implemented that would stop his reign of terror? You would think so. Perhaps we should start with a personality scan. Who were/are the playground bullies and what makes them do what they do? What is lacking in their lives that makes them act they way they do? What is going on, or not going on, inside the school perhaps that releases their actions in hallways and playgrounds, street corners as they age?
Through the course of the Boomer years we have heard a lot about schools. The Three R’s need re-instituting; the best size for a classroom is 15 students; we need CORE curriculums; we need more math, more science, LOOK at what the Russians put into space. We have Team Taught, written Personal Improvement Plans, had students sign Contracts for x amount of work for a certain grade. We have tried endless things, resurrected them under different names and tried them all over again.
What we have not done, while we have piled tons and tons more on the schools in loco parentis, is to ask ourselves what we are truly trying to achieve with them.
The children are there to be EDUCATED. The word comes from the Latin and means to bring out.
I looked at the people again, all those people sitting behind so many steering wheels, and asked myself, I wonder what they would say if I asked each of them did their schooling bring out who they truly were?
This is not faulting teachers who put in endless hours trying to meet impossible demands.
This is about asking ourselves exactly what we expect of our schools; what do we truly expect them to “bring out?”
Yes, indeed, the Three R’s: Readin’, Ritin’, Rithmetic are essential. They are skills that can be mastered, but they are not necessarily the "bring outers."
As I watched the cars weave and braid themselves onto the highway, it occurred to me that the schools also need the Three C’s: Compassion, Creativity, and Cooperation.
What would we hear if we really listened to the way young people solve things with constantly thinking outside the box because they haven’t learned yet that there is one to think inside of. That is something we teach them. What if we rejoiced in purple trees, and orange skies and opened picture books of peoples and places and let them ask the questions instead of our giving answers before the questions came. What if we didn’t discourage kindergarteners from giving hugs? No, we cannot have chaos in classrooms, but we can have openness. We can show them how to cooperate rather than to compete for grades. We can have helpers in each room, across grade levels, even across generations helping each of us to bring out what and who we truly are.
What if all the people sitting behind all those steering wheels were off to a day’s adventure in doing what they truly loved? How would they impact on, and what would they communicate to, those with whom they came in contact? Inner peace, fulfillment, commitment? How much more of themselves would they have to give to global issues if their immediate environments were not devouring them?
What is peace?
Well, we have to work on a working definition of that, but it does seem to have something to do with waking with a roof over your head, food to nourish you for the day, clothes to protect you from the elements, maybe even make you feel good about how you look, appear to others. Peace seems to have something to do with your being able to bring out the best in you, with a lot of help from a lot of all kinds of different kinds of friends.
Perhaps peace comes from doing, be able to do, what you feel you were “meant to be doing.”
Perhaps peace means helping others to their center, their purpose, their life filling paths.
Perhaps peace means forgiveness for mistakes of the past, and action taking to correct their wakes.
Perhaps peace means all of those things and a whole lot more and that we really, really, really have to think about that on a personal, national, and global level.
Those of you who are here at this seminar for healing using history and writing, personal and collective, may have felt the Onion Skin Syndrome. Have you felt layer upon layer peeling away, falling away, day by day, word by word as a new you, constantly a different and new you, emerges as each layer of heaviness drops away; as each piece of “clothes” put on you by someone or something else falls away? How many, many, many layers of history do we have to peel away to reach the point where we know that to truly educate we must bring out who each and everyone of us on the planet is?
It is an awesome job, but it is also an awesome prospect.
And so, I have asked, and ask anyone who wishes to, to answer the questions: What is peace? What are the obstacles to peace? Do you remember as a small child the sense of power you began to feel as you learned the names of things, and could begin to grasp them and their place in your everyday world? What if we find, identify, and name the obstacles to peace? What if we TRULY identify and name them; can we then be able to deal with them in a new way, from a new perspective, knowing that if we apply compassion, creativity, and cooperation we just might bring out ways to make the necessary corrections to achieve global healing?
Each of us gets to give that order of the day through our own actions, reactions, deeds and communications. To have peace, well, it must start with each and everyone of us examining the obstacles both in and around us to it. Can we, dare we, "Make it so?" Can we be Star Captains for planet earth, and however far beyond we go? The journey to peace is certainly a journey beyond where we have ever gone before.
What do we need to stock for the journey? Patience, understanding, forgiveness, compassion, creativity, and cooperation.
Dare we, "Make it so?"
Wounded Warrior Bill. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Help VCS Fight Bush Veto of Wounded Warrior Bill.
The Best New Writing on the Web. Remy Benoit
The Best of New Writing on the Web.
Joe Galloway: "It's not over, over there". Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy News Commentary: It's not over, over there.
Simple Truths. Remy Benoit
From Simple Truths.com Great Quotes from Great Leaders.
U.S. Allowing Fewer Iraqi Immigrants. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. lets in fewer Iraqi refugees, not more
Steady decline comes despite promises to boost admissions.
A Different Kind of Letter to Santa. Remy Benoit
From Kelpie Wilson at Truthout O Little Town in Oregon.
When will we learn that we are all in this together?
That what we do today, impacts tomorrow?
That the exploitation of the land, of the people, leads only to long term misery?
Visit the WORP Webforum - and learn something perhaps new to you.
NY Times Editorial - "Looking at America". Remy Benoit
From the New York Times at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial - Looking at America.
Veto Delays Benefits for Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar and Matt Renner at Truthout Bush Veto a Blow to "Wounded Warriors".
NY Times EditoriaL Let it start now. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times at Truthout Let It Start Now.
From Joshua Holland, AlterNet at Truthout Note to Iowa: Only One Top Dem Will End Iraq Occupation.
From the AP at The New York Times NJ Nears Undermining Electoral College.
Why do we not demand better than this?. Remy Benoit
Our soldiers are not them, they are us, the ones on the front lines. Why are we not on the front lines for them?
From Laura Ungar, Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) at Veterans for Common Sense Neglected and Untreated, a Wounded Iraq War Veteran Dies in Barracks at Fort Knox.
From Greg Harman, San Antonio Current at Veterans for Common Sense Post-traumatic Tightrope.
From Kathy Dobie at GQ: The Long Shadow of War. Remy Benoit
A Must Read and please do pass it along.
Kathy Dobie -The Long Shadow of War.
Stand up for these Veterans - we need a national dialogue and we need it to start now - perhaps a National Teach In run by Veterans to launch it - Vets all over the country - on podiums, in parades, in schools, at picnic tables - anywhere and everywhere telling it like it was, and is. It might help to bridge the gap between the military and the civilians. It might even help to mend the separation between Vets of different wars - Vets who were/are not there for other Vets.
Vets perhaps getting petitions signed by the general population saying Wounded warriors need care - we demand that now
and sending them on to the people in D.C. who are not listening -Why not launch something like this Memorial Day Weekend?
Who will stand up for what they/you need?
Will you? Why do we refuse to face what war does to those we send to fight it? We must be there for them when they come home - not just yellow ribbons on cars - being there, helping, demanding proper treatment.
From Vote Vets - When and Why? From George McGovern - Why.. Remy Benoit
These are Veterans concerned about the welfare of those in combat zones, as well as being concerned about this country.
Jerry Wolfe, Journal Register News Service,
Daily Tribune at Veterans for Common Sense VA Reports Up to 30 Percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Suffer From TBI.
From Michael Abramowitz and Ellen Knickmeyer, The Washington Post at MSNBC Questions on Iran as Bush heads to Mideast
Israeli, Arab leaders doubt U.S. resolve.
Vets need to educate the public as to their needs as well as their concerns.
Also, from George McGovern, The Washington Post, at Truthout Why I Believe Bush Must Go.
There seem to be others who share Mr. McGovern's sentiments. Impeach Bush-Cheney.The ultimate demonstration of why we should teach real history. Remy Benoit
This is absolutely painful to watch.
Americans are NOT stupid - WITH SUBTITLES.
Can a Vet or a Civilian be a Big Brother or Big Sister to a Veteran?. Remy Benoit
Lack of care of our Veterans is nothing new - just part of a shameful history.
What if, what if older Vets from other wars became buddies, mentors, big brothers or big sisters to those coming home now? What if ordinary citizens stepped up to help Vets get jobs, keep homes, get health care?
What if all Vets got out there and took it to the people - this is our story - this is the way of it - this is what we know that you should know - this is what we carry that you should help bear the burden of?
What if all Vets took part in a good old fashioned grass roots movement to have a National Teach-In to explain loud and clear what the people need to know to get up and back them for proper, respectful, professional immediate and long term care?
What if all Vets took to the people an understanding, at least a beginning understanding, of what it means to live with PTSD 24/7?
What if the people started to listen; to sign petitions; to demand immediate care?
All the what if's can only be answered if they are carried out.
There is no better day to start this than today.
Memorial Day is coming. What if all the what if's went national then and continued until the people get it and stand up to do what is right, just, and part of what I call the Covenant - Be there for us and we will be there for you.
What if all this started with you?
From Andrew Hoffman, Housing Works AIDS Issues Update at Veterans for Common Sense Another Battle for Veterans - HIV?.
Wake up, America and do what is right.
Do it now.
John Cory: Yesterday's Lies. Remy Benoit
Please join John Cory, Vietnam Veteran who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V device, 1969 - 1970 at Truthout for Yesterday's Lies.
Do visit with him at John Cory. for more of his wonderful writing.
9 U.S. Soldiers KIA in Offensive. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 9 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq offensive
Joint operation with Iraqi troops targets al-Qaida in Iraq, other extremists.
From the AP at MSNBC Study: 151,000 Iraqis died in conflict’s violence
Surveyors face danger to count casualties from 2003 to 2006.
And there is no end in sight.
Why are we not hearing more about these wars during the campaigns?
Why is it hard to even find anything about Afghanistan in the news?
Why are we not hearing about exit strategies?
Why are we not hearing about how our Veterans will be cared for during this presidential campaign?
Why are we not hearing more about critical issues like TBI and PTSD?
We are not hearing answers to these questions because these questions are not being asked. Enough with "pundits" interpreting every nuance of body language. Ask the questions - demand answers - you have the power of the vote - use it. Call in, write in to news bureaus and tell them you do not want infotainment elections - you want real questions being asked - and answered. It is our right, and more importantly, it is our responsibility, not only to the country, but to those we have put on the front lines.
From the IAVA: VA Funding. Remy Benoit
President Bush Approves VA Funding - 3.7 Billion.
That is a beginning - please keep on telling D.C. that the Veterans we make need us to care for their injuries and other health concerns - spiritual, mental, physical, and long term care!
It is up to us to be their voice.
From Lawrence Winters: The Making and un-Making of a Marine. Remy Benoit
Please visit with Larry Winters at The Making and Un-making of a Marine. so he may share many thoughts with you and you may see the reviews of his book which I truly feel will interest you.
I asked special permission of Larry to give you his words here tonight. When they were sent to me, I felt they directly related to the thoughts that I put here a few days ago - we need Veterans and Civiilans to be Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the new Veterans coming home. They are us, our family, our national family and they need us to keep the Covenant -
It is my privilege to give you the thoughts of this author, mental health counselor, and Veteran Advocate, Larry Winters.
Lonnie Story: The Dustin Brim Story (Depleted Uranium). Remy Benoit
From Lonnie Story, author of The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg. For my review of this beautifully written WWII story Lest We Forget.
A Victory for Veterans!. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for Common Sense Jan. 11: Victory for Veterans - Judge Rules in Favor of VCS in Case Against VA.
Human Costs of War and What the World Needs Now. Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner at Truthout Andrew Roth on Front Page Depictions of War. Do take the time to listen to the interview. If we do not face, truly face, the human cost of war, how will we ever heal its victims, let alone stop it.?
From Ode Magazine Editors What the world needs now. How do we use the ideas in the Bill McKibben article, A man for all seasons, on this page and apply them also to public support for Veteran care? Someone out there has the answer. Is it you?
Perhaps one helping thing we be for all pro-Veteran groups and advocates to coordinate work and plans. Do you have another idea?
Again, can you be a big brother or big sister to a Veteran - starting today?
No Decision on Troop Withdrawl. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush says no decision on Iraq troop drawdown
In Kuwait, president predicts U.S. presence will long outlast his term.
From Healing Combat Trauma, while this story is from October, it should remind you that it is being repeated daily, and that there is help for combat trauma Veterans, PTSD and Homelessness: One Man's Story.
There is help available - it is no disgrace to need help. All you need to do is ask for it at the right places. Mentor the Soul.
Also, from the AP at Truthout Rules Finalized for National ID. Where does a National ID fit into democracy and the Bill of Rights?
From The New York Times - Matthew E. Wald US Issues National ID Standards, Setting Stage for a Showdown.
And an opinion piece from Russell Cole at the Midwest Populist Party. Governing by Network is tantamount to Corporatism.
In Memoriam: John O'Donohue. Remy Benoit
The world lost a loving voice on the 3rd of January.
Gareth Higgins: John O'Donohue Poet, priest, philosopher, and friend of Greenbelt.
If you are not familiar with this man's voice, I most highly recommend his Anam Cara. There is much peace, much to be learned in this precious book. He has left much behind him for all of us. Do get to know this man now if you did not know him before.
Safe journey, John.
Pakistan Warns Against Attack on al Qaeda . Remy Benoit
From Eric Schmitt, The New York Times, at Truthout Pakistan Warns US on Attacking Al Qaeda on Its Own.
Slowing/stopping troop cutbacks. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush says he’s open to halting troop cutbacks
Gen. Petraeus to recommend levels for Iraq in March.
From Congressman Wexler, Politics Gather, at Truthout A Surge of More Lies.
From Greg Gordon, McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout In Voiding Suit, Appellate Court Says Torture Is To Be Expected.
Is this who we are now?
From Pamela Hess, the AP, at Los Angeles Times McConnell Weighs in on Waterboarding.
From Michael Gould-Wartofsky at Tom Dispatch Repress U How to Build a Homeland Security Campus in Seven Steps.
From Bonnie Block at The Capital Times - Madison, Wisconsin Torture is illegal, immoral and ineffective.
From Robert Weissman at Common Dreams The First Amendment Gone Wild: Big Pharma’s ‘Right’ to Find Out What Doctors Are Prescribing.
Something is out of kilter - at a very deep level.
Recommendation to close Gitmo. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. military chief: Guantanamo should be shut.
Publicity is one thing - national soul is another.
WAKE UP AMERICA; WE(AND THEY ARE US) HAVE REAL PROBLEMS BECAUSE WE ARE NOT GIVING OUR VETS THE CARE THEY NEED. Remy Benoit
From The New York Times, Deborah Sontag and Lizette Alvarez, at Veterans for America War Torn: Across America, Deadly Echoes of Foreign Battles (Iraq War Veterans and Murder).
When you send people to war, they are not going to come home as the same person who left. They will carry lots of things - terrible memories, physical, mental, and spiritual injuries, and PTSD.
Keep the Covenant - RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR THEM - they went for you. It is the right thing to do and it must be done now!
Please, if you feel you need help, there is help. There is no shame in asking for help. If the VA has a long waiting list, go here, ask for Miss Paula, tell her I sent you, and ask for help. Sanctuary.
Attack in Kabul. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Kabul attacker wore police uniform; toll at 8.
From the AP at Military.com 3,200 Marines Prepare for Afghan Tour.
From The Independent at Military.com U.S. Hits Brit Plan to Arm Afghan Locals.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Sins of omission and sins of commission haunt Bush in Pakistan.
From Chris Hedges, Truthdig, at Truthout The End of the Road for George W. Bush.
From the Beaver and Allegheny County Times, an Editorial State secrets: Government officials making it harder and harder to hold them accountable.
No changes at Walter Reed?. Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner at Truthout Ongoing Problems at Walter Reed.
Ray Kimball: Those We Left Behind. Remy Benoit
From Ray Kimball at Military.com Those We Left Behind.
The Forgotten War. Remy Benoit
From The Editor's Desk at Military.com with Ward Carroll and Paul Comi My First Bayonet Charge - Korean War Vet Looks Back.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Afghan Army to Take Lead in Combat Ops.
UN Official Criticizes Katrina Relief. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Truthout UN Official: US Neglects Katrina Victims.
Mardi Gras is early this year, February 5th, in the Big Easy. Ya'll come and find out for yourselves how our precious city is doing! Don't forget, N'Awlins is the gateway to the Mississippi and the Heartland of this country - how we are doing has a big impact on how you are doing! From Nola and The Times Picayune Indy 500's Castroneves, Salt-N-Pepa and Sidney Torres to headline Orpheus parade.
Gates: No immediate threat from Iran. Remy Benoit
From NPR Gates: No Immediate Military Threat from Iran.
From Voices in WarTime Healing the Wounds of War, Creating a Less Violent World.
Health Issues. Remy Benoit
From Laura Ungar, Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) at Veterans for Common Sense Accountability Moment: Doctor Fired After Negligent Death of Wounded Soldier in Fort Knox Barracks.
From Kimberly Hefling, AP, at Veterans for Common Sense Military Reports 20 Percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Suffer from TBI.
From Erin Emery and Bruce Finlay, Denver Post at Veterans for Common Sense Jan. 18 Update: Fort Carson General Confirms 79 Injured Soldiers Sent to Iraq War.
The Eternal Soldier - Video. Remy Benoit
From You Tube Eternal Soldier The Dolmen. Waring: Very Graphic.
Resurgent Taliban. Remy Benoit
From Tom Bowman National Public Radio at Veterans for Common Sense Taliban Resurgence Strains Alliance in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at the Sydney Morning Herald Afghan war only just beginning, security group warns.
New Generation of Homeless Vets. Remy Benoit
From the AP and Erin McClam at Comcast.net New Generation of Homeless Vets Emerges.
What is wrong with us that we don't see this, do something about this?
What will it take to open our eyes to the fact that war changes people, increases their need for assistance, support, and our being there for them?
They shouldered their responsibility.
Why do we refuse to shoulder ours to them?
That last question needs a serious answer and a serious and immediate response with action.
Don't forget also Cell phones for soldiers. There is a place for that
cell phone you don't use anymore - in the hands of one of our soldiers to call home.
From the great state of Montana, where my Granny was born, at Veterans for Common Sense from the Montana News Station Senator Tester and Senator Baucus Call for Investigation of VA Mental Health Care.
New York Times Editorial: The Boomerang Effect. Remy Benoit
Regarding Pakistan, from the New York Times at Truthout The Boomerang Effect.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Pakistan awakes to home-grown jihadists.
And this study at King5.com, Seattle, by Douglass K. Daniel, the AP Study: False statements preceded war.
What leaders do impacts on the lives of so very many. The possible geometric expansion of those impacts are truly impossible to calculate.
When a soldier is seriously injured, physically, emotionally, spiritually, it is not only she/he who suffers - it is all their loved ones, and, indeed, their neighbors, their country as their potential for what they might have contributed in civilian life is lost. When a soldier is lost in combat, the loss again is not only their families, it belongs to all of us.
What a leader says and does in our name is of vital concern, and cost at so many levels, to all of us.
It is most certainly of concern to the people of other countries where the words, and actions, of leaders impact.
Perhaps we need to listen more carefully; perhaps we need to seek out our own truths, before we jump on the bandwagons of fear driven by leaders. It is the responsibility of those in democracy to seek the truth, and to act on that, whatever it may be.
We need to read the news to not only see what is there, but what is not there.
For instance, and this is not an endorsement, but if you just look at the headlines, well, you might not know that John Edwards is a candidate for president - just Clinton and Obama. We need to ask why these omissions, not just of people, but of historic fact, precedents, and realities.
Realities can look like this - From Lou Dobbs at CNN Dobbs: Our leaders have squandered our wealth.
And like this - From Robert Crawford at the Seattle Times Democracies don't torture.
And this from the Brain Injury Research Foundation US Veteran Brain Injury News Traumatic Brain Injuries in Soldiers Often Go Undetected.
From Fox News and Kelley Beaucar Vlahos Soldiers' Lives Saved But Injuries Persist Long After Battle.
Didn't our Mamas teach us to not jump on any wagon careening and out of control and going downhill?
For the final word this morning, visit with Christian Lowe at Military.com From the Front: Tomb of the Well Known Dictator.
Southwest Times Record: Editorial - Homeless Veterans Deserve Our Concern. Remy Benoit
From the Southwest Times Record at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial - Homeless Veterans Deserve Our Concern.
If you feel PTSD may be an issue for you, there is much help available. You may write to me for those who can help you; you should visit with Dr. Ed Tick and his staff at Sanctuary.
and you should definitely read his book War and the Soul:Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Every Veteran I know who has opened this book and read just the first few pages has told me This is me and gone on through the book to find much help and clarity of what is being experienced.
You are not alone - there are many of us here to help you - just reach out and someone will take your hand. PTSD is not a disgrace, it is a normal aftermath of knowing war. Reach out and help will be there.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com General: Taliban Offensive Unlikely.
From the AP at Military.com U.S. Plans to Train Pakistan Troops.
A programming note from Bill Moyers at Truthout John Grisham January 25.
The Campaign. Remy Benoit
This campaign has dragged on endlessly - it has not shown us at our best, nor does it seem to give us any real choice, any real chance for real change of paradigms.
This is a bit of an update on who seems to stand where, although they all remain ambiguous on that.
From Project Vote Smart, Re: voting record John McCain John McCain. who is playing the Veteran card. Scroll down for his votes on this issue.
More Care Needed for PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze at Army Times More Must be Done for PTSD Vets, Panel Says.
Why is what is so obvious seemingly so hard to understand and to respond to? Could that be because we simply do not want to face the fact that those we send to war are forever changed? Could it be that if we accepted that, we just might have to assume some responsibility to help them? rep
From Pia Malbran CBS Evening News at Veterans for Common Sense Young Veterans Most at Risk for Suicide in Oregon.
From Bill Moyers Journal. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers Bill Moyers on Rhetoric and Reality.
From You Tube Naomi Klein: The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.
Last Bush State of the Union Tonight. Remy Benoit
From CNN Unfinished business for Bush in final State of the Union address.
From Pia Malbran CBS Evening News at Veterans for Common Sense Young Veterans Most at Risk for Suicide in Oregon.
Violent Deaths in Oregon 2005. This is a PDF file, be patient, but look at page 22 and learn.
Two generations of war reporting. Remy Benoit
From Hamish McKenzie at Truthout Dad's Was Vietnam, Son's Is Iraq.
Let's take a walk Down History Lane. Women Correspondents & the Vietnam War.
From PBS and Terence Smith Covering the War (Vietnam).
From PBS Reporting America at War.
From Andrea Buginsky at Associated Content Book Review of Dispatches: War Through a Journalist's Eyes.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout The Beginning of the End.
Wounded Warrior Bill. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Short VCS Statement on Enactment of 'Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act'.
Stoppages in troop reductions. Remy Benoit
From AP at Military.com Iraq Troop Reductions? Not So Fast.
From Jeremy Scahill at Common Dreams Pioneering Blackwater Protesters Given Secret Trial and Criminal Conviction.
From Aaron Glantz, Inter Press Service, at Veterans for Common Sense Bush Signs Veterans Bill, Won't Ban Permanent Bases in Iraq.
John Cory: By the Numbers. Remy Benoit
From John Cory, a Vietnam veteran who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V device, 1969 - 1970. at Truthout By the Numbers.
How are conditions for your Veterans; on your roads, bridges, levees; in your country?. Remy Benoit
From Dana Priest at The Washington Post jSoldier suicides reach record level, study shows
Vet's battle with depression reveals effects of long tours, lack of resources.
From Bill Dedman at MSNBC Feds let states delay inspections of bad bridges
Loophole allows giving infrequent checkups to spans in poor condition.
For those of us who are sometimes left in the abyss by our computers, this little video that my Medievalist heart loves. So, Introducing the Book.
Do presidents lie? Here is a take on that from
Mark Morford, SF Gate Columnist
The 935 lies of George W. Bush Yes, you already knew. But now they're actually quantifiable. Like, say, stab wounds.
From Joe Galloway of the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Only 11 months to go.
Isn't it well past time, America, to stand up
even if it is from nothing but nausea at the presidential campaigning and the lack of real choice; the lack of clearly defined issues, and heaven forbid, precise answers? Or are we so lazy that we will let the levees of our freedom be breached?
Iraq and more. Remy Benoit
From CNN Female suicide bombers kill dozens in Baghdad markets.
From The Roanoke Times Editorial: A war without end or oversight.
From Senator Jim Webb Webb: Commission on Wartime Contracting Will Move Forward In Expeditious Manner.
From Thomas A. Bass and Maurice Isserman at the Albany Times Union Iraq of '08 eerily like Vietnam of '68.
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Bush Betrays Belligerent Intentions Toward Iran in State of Union.
From Saul Landau at Progreso Weekly Afghanistan - the next disaster.
And from Robert Reich at the Financial Times America’s middle classes are no longer coping.
Where is the Congress on all of this?
Where are the candidates on all of this?
Indeed, where are the American people on all of this?
Reality Check. Remy Benoit
This piece of news was heard a lot yesterday. From
David Ellis at CNN Money Exxon shatters profit records
Oil giant makes corporate history by booking $11.7 billion in quarterly profit; earns $1,300 a second in 2007.
I would like to hear from you about how you are making it at the gas station, at the grocery store, with your mortgage and heating bills. A friend of mine up in Pennsylvania, is shelling out about a $1000 a month for heating oil while keeping the house at 60 degrees. He has been out of work for well over two years despite endless interviews and applications - told he is "old" - ha, same age as me and you don't want to say that to me! He has been asked Why don't you retire and make room for the young ones?
Yesterday I put some gas in the car. Now I don't drive about much as I work at home, but yesterday without even totally filling the tank, the cost
was double what I allow in the budget for gas a month. When I bought a jar of honey, it was $1.00 more than it was last week. A block of cheese in the last few months has gone up over $1.50. All dairy prices have increased - I hear more people are using dairy products.
Personally I don't know anyone making $1,300 a second. Do you? Military families are certainly not bringing in that kind of money.
The thing is, I don't understand why there is not more vocal objection; why there is not a push for a more green energy source. Have we given in to the corporate greed and war profiteering? Senator Webb, if you will check yesterday's section here, hasn't. I haven't.
I went with someone to the doctor the other day. Before we have even met him, and yeah, he was a great doctor, but still, before he was even met all the paperwork had to be signed about insurance and paying all the rest that it didn't pay. So it was the signing on to payment before any service had been provided. I don't know about you, but I do the work, and then I get paid.
Anyone want to address medical and prescription costs, or the infamous Donut hole of Plan D?
We are in a very strange place in this country today. CNN is running a poll asking which is the best Democratic ticket - Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton - at this moment 44% are saying neither. This campaign has been absurd - much too long, much too much of endless verbiage saying nothing.
There is this FISA thing that Keith Olbermann dedicated his Special Comment to - at Truthout, Keith Olbermann from MSNBC Special Comment Regarding FISA.
There is this very serious problem with care of our Veterans. From Charles M. Sennott, Boston Globe at Veterans for Common Sense Told to Wait, an Iraq War Veteran Marine Dies.
We have Helen Thomas of the Hearst Newspapers at Seattle Post-Intelligencer Bush plans to leave a lot of unfinished business.
So my questions for you are:
What are you concerns about our freedom and Constitution here at home that our soldiers are out there dying to defend?
What are your concerns about our soldiers, about our care for our Veterans?
And when do you think America will stand up and say things are not working the way they should?
Is there any possible candidate out there, somewhere, with a new paradigm? The big primary day is this Tuesday, February 5. Will you go out there to vote? Ours here in Louisiana will not be on Tuesday which is Mardi Gras Day. We will vote come next Saturday, the 9th. I truly wish there was a decent choice - dare I use the word statesman, and I mean genderless. Where have Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Adams, and Tom Paine all gone? Are there no descendants of this caliber to carry on the American Dream?
And why, why do we settle to be so much less than we really are?
Why do we allow ourselves to be ruled by fear when we have the legacy of Only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Staying in Iraq until...... Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com U.S. Troops to Be in Iraq Into '09.
From the AP at Military.com Pentagon Seeking $20 Billion.
From CNN Concern mounts over rising troop suicides. An average of 5 soldiers a day in '07. That should speak to us - and we should listen!
From Kathy Dobie at The Nation Denial in the Corps.
The Soldiers Project.
From Richard A. Clarke, Philadelphia Inquirer, at Truthout Bush Legacy: Setting a Standard in Fear-Mongering.
From PBS and Frontline Return of the Taliban. One of the problems in the world is that there are re-actions to things, rather than pro-active searching for underlying causes and resolutions to things that cause actions in the first place. And so, generation after generation pays the blood price. We do not actively, not really actively, seek alternative fuels for instance. We go to bed knowing people are starving to death in many areas of the world. We go to sleep knowing that millions of our own children in our own country do not have health insurance. We know, but we refuse to know. We need to step up to the knowing and get to work.
From Nomi Prins at Women's International Perspective The State of Whose Union?.
For those of you who like old time radio, let's take a walk Down History Lane to Radio Lovers.
Insurgencies Spread. Remy Benoit
From the McClatchy Newspapers at Military.com Afghan, Pakistan Insurgencies Spread.
Fear or Law?. Remy Benoit
From Lewis Seiler,Dan Hamburg at the San Francisco Chronicle Rule by fear or rule by law?
From Sari Gelzer at Truthout Revealing Deliberate Deceptions: A Truthout Interview With Daniel Ellsberg.
John Cory: The Campaign Speeech I'd Like to Hear. Remy Benoit
From Vietnam Veteran, John Cory at Truthout The Campaign Speech I'd Like to Hear.
Happy Mardi Gras. Remy Benoit
Live WebCam from NOLA in New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Come join the party!
How about a little Zydeco for you? Up South Twisters.
What kind of nation doesn't take care of its Veterans?. Remy Benoit
We really need to ask ourselves who we are on this question - and then demand care for our Veterans.
From Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, at Veterans for Common Sense Feb. 5 Lawsuit Update: Government Attorneys Fight New Law Providing Five Years of Free VA Medical Care for Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Rice arrives in Afghanistan to press for help
U.S. seeks to bridge rift between NATO members over troop contributions.
Where are the solutions to the problems?. Remy Benoit
There is much to consider in the questions raised in this article by Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III at Truthout America's Serious Problems Require Real Solutions Not Rhetoric. As the answers are not coming from the White House, perhaps you have them? If you do, please share!
From the IAVA and Veterans for Common Sense. Remy Benoit
IAVA Legislative Agenda on Capitol Hill.
How can you help our Veterans? Read the solutions suggested by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and find out.
From Paul Sullivan, Executive Director of Veterans for Common Sense Feb. 7 Update: VCS Testimony - President Bush Slashes VA Spending as VA Expects 333,000 New Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran Patients to Flood into VA Hospitals.
There is something intrinsically and soulfully wrong when a nation makes Veterans and does not care for them. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem and support your Veterans. They are US.
MSNBC - "GUT CHECK AMERICA". Remy Benoit
A place for you to sound off - do it, loud and clear!
Bush Budget. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Bush Keeps War Cost Under Wraps.
Waterboarding Legal?. Remy Benoit
From Greg Miller at the Los Angeles Times Waterboarding is legal, White House says.
Who are we?
Military strain. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC War strains U.S. military in tackling new crises
Admiral: Risk to capabilities remains significant, 15-month tours too long.
From The Congressional Quarterly Bush Vows to Veto Fiscal 2009 Spending Bills That Exceed His Request.
From the AP at Military.com Leaving Iraq Will Help Economy.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Doing right by our newest veterans.
From Aadel Faiq and Brian Ross, ABC, at Truthout Blackwater's Blood Money; How Much for a Dead Son? .
Life after Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Life After Iraq.
And life after debt with Danny Schechter In Debt We Trust.
Deployed anyway?. Remy Benoit
From Erin Emery, the Denver Post, at Veterans for Common Sense Fort Carson Forcibly Removed Soldier from Mental Hospital and Deployed Him to Iraq War.
Brain injury research -
funding mismanaged?. Remy Benoit
From Marty Toohey,
Austin American-Statesman at Veterans for Common Sense VA Brain Injury Research Funds Wasted, Claims University of Texas Doctor.
Gates - pausing drawdown?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Gates: U.S. may pause Iraq troop drawdown
Defense chief says 'period of ... evaluation' likely needed before further cuts.
From the AP at Military.com Army Buried Report on Post-War Iraq.
This book review from Geoffrey Wheatcroft,The New York Times, at Truthout Europeans Are From Venus a review of "Where Have All the Soldiers Gone? The Transformation of Modern Europe" by James J. Sheehan.
You might want to consider the role of media in war with this article from The Wall Street Journal by Arthur Herman The Lies of Tet.
If this was a history class, perhaps a good assignment might be a class study of the role of the press in war time with a concomitant look at the way different nations view war. A consideration in this study would be how the media reporting impacts on the situation of the soldiers. The media carries a huge responsibility - it is not meant to be a dollar maker - it is meant to be a part of a functioning democracy and that carries a vast response - ability to report things as they are, not to sound bytes and dollars.
If we are to remain a viable democracy, we must educate ourselves - and yes, that is work, but it is also responsibility. We also need to evaluate the way nations care for their Veterans and find out if any should receive passing grades on that.
Let's take a walk Down History Lane with American Masters - Edgar R. Murrow.
From the New York Times an Editorial at Truthout Because They Said So.
From Scott Thill at AlterNet Breaking the Drug Taboo: Group of Traumatized Veterans Get Experimental Ecstasy Treatment.
What you do does count. Remy Benoit
From NPR, This I Believe and Brigid Daull Brockway This I Believe logo A Busybody's Guide to Improving the World - This I Believe.
And from Chris Hedges, Truthdig, at Common Dreams, somethings to think about - The War Against Tolerance.
Marines and Berkeley at Odds. Remy Benoit
From CNN Showdown looms in 'treasonous' Berkeley.
Are we doing this again?
Have we not learned anything?
Your opinions on this?
IAVA Storms Capitol Hill. Remy Benoit
Perhaps Vets across the nation should squeeze into those old uniforms and take a stand, make the public aware of Veteran needs, and what that public owes them.
From Walter Pincus, the Washington Post, at Truthout Murtha and the Cost of the War.
Marines and Berkeley. Remy Benoit
From Doug Oakley, San Jose Mercury News Marines can stay in Berkeley, without an apology from City Council.
Video: Take Me Back to the Sixties!. Remy Benoit
Enjoy - and thanks Teddy for sending it!
Created by Old Blue Web Design Take Me Back to the Sixties.
AND - Do you remember these?.
NY Times Editorial - Unnecessary Harm. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Unnecessary Harm.
Happy Valentine's Day. Remy Benoit
Image if we sought to comfort the problems of the world through compassion and communication - through love and gratitude - rather than through hate and fear.
Just imagine.
Do something sweet for yourself, for your sweetheart, today.
For a history of St. Valentine. here you are.
Vet Advocates Fight for New Bill. Remy Benoit
From Christian Lowe at Military.com Vet Advocates Fight for New G.I. Bill.
From Leslie Boyd, Asheville Citizen-Times, at Veterans for Common Sense Veterans Shed Light on Iraq Service.
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout 333,000 US Casualties: Are They Covered?. Perhaps it is time for all Vets to unite across the country and take care of this new generation. Make you presence known - demand what has been earned - care and respect. The only ones who can truly raise the public consciousness on this issue are the Vets themselves - united, with one voice: Be there for us - it is right - it has been earned.
"maybe !00" years in Iraq . Remy Benoit
From CNN McCain defends '100 years in Iraq' statement.
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: It's time to do right by the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Joe Roman at the San Francisco Chronicle Of whales and war.
From Aubrey Vaughn at Mother Earth News Where do the Presidential Candidates Stand on Environmental Issues?.
On the homefront -
From Matthew Rothschild at The Progressive Exclusive! The FBI Deputizes Business.
From MSNBC's Keith Olbermann at You Tube Olbermann: Special Comment 2/14/08.
From Gary Barnett at the Hillsboro, Ohio Times - Gazette The new crime of thinking in the U.S.
From John Holusha, The New York Times at Truthout House Cites Two Bush Aides for Contempt.
From The New York Times, an Editorial at Truthout Time to Vote Contempt.
From Eliot Spitzer, The Washington Post, at Truthout Predatory Lenders' Partner in Crime.
A what price supporting torture?. Remy Benoit
From Arianna Huffington John McCain Sells His Soul to the Right: Backs Off on Torture Ban.
Speculations on Gore Stepping In. Remy Benoit
From Eleanor Clift at Newsweek Al Gore to the Rescue?
From Don Van Natta Jr. and Jo Becker, The New York Times, at Truthout Democrats Look for Way to Avoid Convention Rift.
Help for Agent Orange. Remy Benoit
If you need help with Agent Orange. this is a place to go.
TV - Inside the Vietnam War. Remy Benoit
Special on President's Day, February 18th, 7PM Central, on the National Geographic Channel - I have been told that this is quite graphic, but perhaps can help others understand what you knew, and know now - Inside the Vietnam War.
More troops to be committed?. Remy Benoit
From Andrew Gray, Reuters, at Truthout More US Troops Seen in Iraq by Summer.
From the AP at MSNBC McCain’s sharp tongue: An Achilles heel?
Arizona senator’s ire all too real; critics wary of hothead in White House. An uncontrolled temper can be a dangerous and destructive thing - something to consider.
Interestingly, also, I brought up this very concern in a conversation this morning - temper, temper - a good thing in the White House?
Anyone remember the language and attitude of the Watergate tapes? Can we think of anyone else with this problem, and a lot of power, around now?
And, if you are just looking for something interesting to read, you will probably find something to your taste here at The Smart Set.
Let's go Down History Lane with A Review: The Smart Set: George Jean Nathan and H.L. Mencken by Thomas Quinn Curtiss.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Please also see the concomitant videos there which are well worth your time.
Homeless. Remy Benoit
This is not the way it should be here in the States.
From the AP at MSNBC Some homeless squat in foreclosed houses
Vacant dwellings prove inviting to street people. The question is also, where are the people who lost their homes because of bad loans? Where are the people who made those bad loans hoping to make an extra buck at any cost?
National Coalition of Homeless Veterans.
Why do we allow our Veterans to not be properly cared for? Why do we allow thousands upon thousands of our Veterans to be homeless?
This is not the way it should be and we have to ask who is allowing this? The answer is obvious, both for civilians and Veterans. We are allowing this. It is a campaign year - a seemingly endless one. Why are we not asking these questions of the candidates? Why are we not demanding more; why are we not demanding that those who hold office be held accountable for all of the above?
This is our country - we have the right and the obligation to be heard, and to make ourselves heard.
We are responsible.
Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From Anne C. Mulkern, Denver Post, at Veterans for Common Sense Senator Questions Injured Soldier Deployments.
From Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Hearst Newspapers, Seattle Post-Intelligencer at Veterans for Common Sense Warning on Cuts in Veterans' Health Care.
Inside the Vietnam War. Remy Benoit
Special on President's Day, February 18th, 7PM Central, on the National Geographic Channel - I have been told that this is quite graphic, but perhaps can help others understand what you knew, and know now - Inside the Vietnam War.
Also visit 50,000 NAMES (Carved in the Wall)written by Jamie O'Hara.
Just for fun - this is a frog you don't want to kiss!. Remy Benoit
From Lauran Neergaard, the AP, at MSNBC Scientists find ‘Devil Toad’ fossil
Discovery of bowling ball-sized frog raises ancient geography questions.
End of another era. Remy Benoit
Well, we refrained from WWIII; the dominoes did not fall; the Soviet Union is no more; the Berlin Wall is gone; and now Castro has resigned.
Perhaps it is time to stop looking for 'evil empires' and to start with real diplomacy, compassion, and communication.
Is it possible to actually find a real statesman in D.C. instead of those who find that our troops are more easily expendable than the effort of real negotiation?
From the Mclatchy -Tribune News Service at Military.com Musharraf Party Gets the 'Hate Vote'.
Some things to think about here from Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III at Truthout Ideology Makes for Bad Policy.Also, join Dr. Leon for his Commentaries.
Humans are full of contradictions. We can look with horror upon devastation caused by a tsunami, by a Katrina. We can pitch in to help with dollars or hands, but we don't get it unless it is our home without power for weeks; unless it is our home filled with muck and mire and everything, every picture, we cherished turned to slime. Perhaps that is why we don't get it about the destruction caused by war. Homes bombed, people dying, people maimed - our soldiers' bodies, minds and hearts splintered. Maybe we won't get it until we face it head on and determine to do something better. Maybe we need to find some real diplomats and demand a policy better than one of fear, hatred, retribution and the continuing, unending cycle of destruction.
Perhaps we need to take a lot of walks Down History Lane and ask why we do the things we do. For today, Fire Bombing of Dresden.
Another path of history, another walk, takes us to the Einsatzgruppen in this essay by Yale F. Edeiken An Introduction to the Einsatzgruppen..
This is a book I used to use in my classroom. It is a classic study of propaganda with the censors inserts, cuts, etc. obvious. Babi Yar: A Docutment in the Form of a Novel; New, Complete, Uncensored Version by A. Anatoli Kuznetsov. I highly recommend this work but I do warn you, it is quite unpleasant. But then the elder Mrs. Bush did tell us that war is not nice.
For those of you who watched Inside the Vietnam War last night, I would like to see your comments on the hard staying problems with reporting this war.
A Health Plan to Consider?. Remy Benoit
From Roger Kickey at Campaign for America's Future Lewin Findings on Hacker-EPI Health Plan: Good News for Obama and Clinton.
From Ezra Klein at The American Prospect Health Care's Odd Couple.
What about care for our Veterans? From House Committee on Veterans' Affairs at Veterans for Common Sense Congressman Hall States That VA's Claims Processing System In Need of 21st Century Reform.
Some citizens have some questions about the wall in Texas. From Melissa del Bosque, Texas Observer, at AlterNet Homeland Security Won't Explain Why the Mexican Border Wall Bypasses the Rich and Connected.
From Jim Hightower Surrendering to the Terrorists.
A Review of Interest of Edith Wharton's Twilight Sleep. Remy Benoit
From Cheryl Miller at The New Atlantis The Painless Peace of Twilight Sleep.
Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Dan Eggen, The Washington Post, at Truthout Defense Contractor Sentenced to 12 Years for Bribery.
From the AFP Baghdad drowning in sewage: Iraqi official.
From Tom Engelhardt at Tom Dispatch Tomgram: Making Iraq Disappear. We have to ask what will happen to the Iraqi people who worked with us. We got an answer to that kind of question a long time ago, but the scenario for them seems to remain in the place where history will be repeated. These things, these people, are to be more collateral damage.
From the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch Arsenal of secrecy.
For those of you who missed Jericho last night, may I suggest you catch it when it is repeated in your area as it deals with re-writing the Constitution.
Senator Webb- legal action on Bush/Iraq?. Remy Benoit
From Sam Stein, Huffington Post at Veterans for Common Sense Senator Webb Suggests Legal Action Against Bush on Iraq.
The indomitable, or is that abominable, FEMA. Remy Benoit
From Robert Windrem and Dan Linden at NBC We're FEMA and we're here to help.
Yes, don't inhale the space fumes - and don't inhale inside a FEMA trailer!
From Find Law CDC Finds Toxic Air in FEMA Trailers.
Senator Russ Feingold. Remy Benoit
From Senator Feingold at The Huffington Post The Warnings are There, Will the President Listen?.
The mandate from the people was given to the Congress which is not following it in just about every arena, for reasons unclear to us. Keep in mind these words from Margaret Chase Smith:
Turkish Troops Go Into Iraq - and More. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Turkey launches ground incursion into Iraq
Military pursues Kurdish rebels after bombing suspected targets.
From Military.com and Rafael Rodriguez Training the Afghan National Army.
From Proceedings, Capt. Chas Henry (Ret.) at Military.com Insurgents in the Bloodstream.
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Congress Ramps Up Fight Against Permanent Iraq Bases.
From Tom Hayden at The Nation "End the War in 2009."
From Jim Hightower THE SCANDAL OF CORPORATE SCOUNDRELS IN IRAQ.
Having mortgage problems? Here's an idea from Richard Flatau at Mother Earth News A Mortgage-Free, Owner-Built Cordwood Castle.
From some other paths to consider, try New Dimensions Radio Changing the World, One Broadcast at a Time.
Homeless Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Matt Renner, Truthout, at Veterans for Common Sense TruthOut Series on Iraq War Veterans: Returning Home Homeless.
From Tali Woodward, San Francisco Bay Guardian From battlefield to street corner
Where the war intersects with our city's most polarizing political issue.
"To Our Parents" from the Children of Vietnam Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Operation Mom and The Children Of Vietnam VeteransTo Our Parents."
This is beautiful
The view from the UK about the Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Bilmes, Times Online (United Kingdom) at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: The Three Trillion Dollar War.
From the AP at MSNBC Series of rockets fired on Baghdad's Green zone
Attacks come a day after al-Sadr orders extension of cease-fire.
From Patrick Cockburn, The Independent UK, at Truthout The New Invasion of Iraq.
And, from Jessi Simek, a truly eye opening letter at Common Dreams Letter From a Young American.
Exclusive Interview with General Petraeus. Remy Benoit
From Military.com Exclusive: General Petraeus' Iraq War Update.
DD214 Errors. Remy Benoit
From Lou Michel, Buffalo News, at Military.com Vets Suffer as DD214 Errors Increase.
From Fernanda Santos, The New York Times, at Truthout After the War, a New Battle to Become Citizens.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newpapers Commentary: Some inconvenient truths, conveniently locked in a safe.
Armored Vehicle Delay. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSnbc Marines want probe of armored vehicle delay
Pentagon inspector general asked to see if wait led to Iraq casualties.
From CNN Bush ups pressure on House to pass intelligence bill.
From the AP at Military.com Post-Surge Troop Levels to Remain High.
From James Carroll, the Boston Globe, at Common Dreams ‘National Security’: The Ghost Story.
If you are not aware of Narrative Magazine, you might want to start here with a poem by Marvin Bell, go on to the work of Robert Olin Butler, and more.
What I Do.
Veteran Health Care. Remy Benoit
From Chellie Pingree and James E. N. Bachelder,
Seacoast Online at Veterans for Common Sense Vets don't need health battle.
From the AP at MSNBC 12 young veterans running as GOP candidates
Draw on combat experience, tout each other on pro-war platform. If "combat experience" is viewed at a positive in campaigning, why is it not viewed as a positive to get Vets the care they need?
From Maggie Mahar at AlterNet Military Doctors Withholding Treatment from Soldiers with Mental Health Problems.
At AlterNet Iraq Vet to McCain: "How About 1,000 Years of Affordable Health Care?".
From Joshua Holland at AlterNet Afghanistan: The Brutal and Unnecessary War the Media Aren't Telling You About. This is a disturbing piece.
Iraq/Afghanistan War Suicides or Attempts. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Can You Help? Suicide and Attempted Suicide Cases Sought for Major News Network.
Gas pulling more dollars out of your budget?. Remy Benoit
From Jad Mouawad, The New York Times at Truthout Gas Prices Soar, Posing a Threat to Family Budget. Perhaps some of those billions in profits should be plowed back to offset prices? Or maybe some of the heads of these corporations could work as Dollar a Year Persons to find alternative energies? Ah, yes, that was once upon a time in America now wasn't it?
Down History Lane with Wikipedia Dollar a Year Men.
Maybe we need a new WPA, a new CCC to fix levees, roads, bridges, collect history?
Perhaps we need some new candidates with something to say besides bickering at each other?
Are there any statesmen left, and if there are, where are they now?
Losing patience?. Remy Benoit
From Sudarsan Raghavan and Amit R. Paley, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Sunni forces losing patience with U.S.
Citing lack of support, frustrated Iraqi volunteers are abandoning posts.
From Ahmed Rasheed and Mariam Karouny at Reuters Turkey says no timetable for Iraq pullout.
From Ross Tuttle at The Nation Pentagon General Counsel Resigns.
Those badly injured. Remy Benoit
From Greg Mitchell, Editor & Publisher of Veterans for Common Sense Pressing Issues - Covering Badly-Injured Americans in Iraq.
From Carl Osgood, Executive Intelligence Review at Veterans for Common Sense VCS in the News: Austerity Threatens Veterans, Too.
War Contracts. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Army changes wartime purchasing due to fraud
Tripling of contract offenses prompts new management method.
From Tom Engelhardt and Frida Berrigan at TomDispatch Tomgram: Iraq, 2003-2008, Two Recipes for Disaster The Commander-in-Chef Cooks Up a Storm Recipes for Disaster in Iraq.
Annual Purple Heart Dinner Dance NYC. Remy Benoit
Zbigniew Brzezinski Revisited. Remy Benoit
From Zbigniew Brzezinski,The Washington Post, Sunday 25 March 2007, at Truthout Terrorized by "War on Terror".
Flower Show in N'Awlins. Remy Benoit
From Ginny Smith at Philly.com Purple! Green! Gold! (and more) This year at the Flower Show: What it means to bloom like New Orleans.
VA's Broken Claims System. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense Feb 29 VCS Editorial: With Cooper Leaving, Now is the Right Time to Overhaul VA's Broken Claims System.
And from the IAVA Who Supports a New GI Bill?
Vietnam War. Remy Benoit
From Spartacus International, UK The Vietnam War.
From Angel Fire Vietnam War Poetry.
From Harry Kieninger When Can We Come Home: Understanding the VietNam Veteran.
From Steve Mason The Wall Within.
From Gary Jacobson Vietnam Iraq combat action war pictures and poetry.
If you have a favorite link to something about the Vietnam War, please share it with us.
Bush declines to pledge troop withdrawl. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush declines promise on troop withdrawal
Strong presence needed for October vote in Iraq, he says.
From CNN Bombers, gunmen attack Shiite pilgrimage in Iraq.
From CNN Bodies, heads found in northern Iraq.
Iranian President Visits Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Ahmadinejad calls visit to Iraq ‘brotherly’
Historic trip highlights Iran's rising influence on its conflict-weary neighbor.
Treasure Hunting. Remy Benoit
From Frederik Pleitgen at CNN Treasure hunters dig for Hitler's gold.
Suit Against VA. Remy Benoit
From Paul Elias at the AP Hearing Begins in Health Suit Against VA.
From Vic Lee, ABC 7 San Francisco VA under scrutiny for veteran suicides.
Magic Moments. Remy Benoit
Some things just are - have become an inextricable part of us - so, here for you, such magic moments... From You Tube As Time Goes By."
Joe Galloway. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: The Pentagon is financed like Enron and run like General Motors.
Explosion Military Recruiting Station. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC NYC police probe explosion at Times Square
Area cordoned off after blast hits military recruiting station; no one injured.
Iraq - Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From CNN 69 dead in Baghdad's 'heinous crime'.
From the AP at Truthout Army: Psychiatrists Needed on Warfronts.
From Jason Leopold, OpEd News at Veterans for Common Sense More Than 60,000 Iraq, Afghanistan Vets Diagnosed with PTSD.
From Ruth Rosen, TPM Cafe at Common Dreams The Politics of Fear — Again.
From New America Media, Commentary, Ron Manuto and Sean Patrick O’Rourke, Posted: Mar 06, 2008 The Politics of Fear: 75 Years After FDR.
Soldiers Losing Hearing. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Hearing loss is silent epidemic in U.S. troops
Soldiers coming home with permanent hearing damage and ringing in ears.
Legalizing Troop Presence in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com U.S., Iraq starting work on long-term treaty
Blueprint would outline state-to-state relationship, military roles.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
Who are we?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush vetoes bill banning waterboarding
CIA needs this kind of 'valuable' tool to prevent attacks, Bush says.
Since when do we euphemistically call torture a "valuable tool?"
From Scott Simon and David Welna, NPR, at Veterans For Common Sense Torture Debate at Heart of Bush FISA Veto.
Your tax dollars at work. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Dear Taxpayer: This letter cost you $42 million
IRS spending money to inform households rebate checks will soon arrive.
Troops Using Bad Water?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Bad Water in Iraq?.
ABBA!. Remy Benoit
I am a long, long time ABBA fan. This came to me tonight, and I just had to share with you. From Great Dane Pro Chiquitita.
$ Costs of Iraq Rise. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Studies: Iraq war will cost $12 billion a month
Economists project a much higher ‘burn rate’ than government estimates.
Casualties in Iraq. Remy Benoit
Winter Soldier. Remy Benoit
Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan.
12Soldiers Die in 3 Days. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Rocket blasts kills 3 U.S. soldiers in Iraq
12 soldiers die in 3 days; rise in deaths cast doubt on 'surge'.
Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From Karen DeYoung at The Washington Post, at MSNBC Public, media losing sight of Iraq, study finds
Only 28 percent know that nearly 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed.
One Soldier's Journey. Remy Benoit
From Eleanor Clift, Newsweek, at MSNBC Trailer: Body of War.
Witnessing Death. Remy Benoit
From Todd Pitman, the AP, at MSNBC Witnessing death drives home cost of Iraq war
Friend's killing puts devastating new face to Middle East conflict, struggle.
From Steve Vogel, The Washington Post, at Truthout War Stories Echo an Earlier Winter.
From Philip Dine, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, at Veterans for Common Sense War's Legacy, Its Human Toll - Up to 700,000 U.S. Casualties Expected from Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts.
Bush: Iraq War Was Worth It. Remy Benoit
From AP at MSNBC Bush: Iraq war was worth it
In speech readied for 5th anniversary, president defends war despite costs.
Genes and PTSD?. Remy Benoit
From PHYSORG Gene May Help Explain Stress Disorder.
Weather Awareness. Remy Benoit
If you live in a flood prone area, please take a look at this from the AP at MSNBC New government forecast: Wider spring floods
Threat from rains, snowmelt covers good portion of the country.
Covering Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Jim Maceda, NBC at MSNBC Waiting for Iraqis to flee "Shock and Awe."
Joe Galloway. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Iraq surge has failed in its main purpose.
Have you noticed how little attention is given to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by the TV media who are busy hyping recession, gee, even depression? A recession has very specific standards - they have not been met.
Perhaps we need to stop letting TV "think" for us in babbling, pathetic yellow journalism and glitz, and think for ourselves. As I see it, the United States is not red and blue - it is Red, White, and Blue. We are a WE CAN DO NATION. Look around the house at the things you purchased last week. How many of them were made here?
Maybe you should be asking these sparing candidates, in this seemingly never ending debacle of primaries, what they intend to do about bringing some manufacturers home, about building up the tool and die industry.
Perhaps you should be asking them about how they intend to care for thousands of Veterans coming home physically, mentally, and spiritually wounded.
Perhaps you should make it clear that the Vice-President should care about what the American people think about these wars.
Perhaps you should make it clear to the President that the war in Afghanistan is neither exotic or romantic - that the troops are cold and need equipment to deal with that.
Perhaps, America, we should STAND UP and say control the corporations, control the banks and mortgage lenders; bring business home; and really support the troops with more than fantasies. War is not romantic - it is cold, it is hot, it is terrifying, and it is deadly.
Wake up, America, and STAND UP.
We have laws, we have a Constitution that protects personal rights; we have signed treaties that say we do not torture. We have a balance of power that allows the Senate to make treaties, not the Executive.
We need a vital energy policy - we need green laws.
We are America, but only if we STAND UP.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Violence Across Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Militants target Green Zone in Baghdad
Violence kills at least 57 throughout Iraq; deadliest attack strikes Mosul.
What if the collective energy, money, and work that has gone into this seemingly endless campaigning had gone to finding resolution in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and care for our Veterans?
Perhaps we seriously need to re-think some things.
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. death toll in Iraq reaches 4,000
Grim milestone reached when IED kills 4 U.S. soldiers in Baghdad.
This is not romantic, nor exotic, nor alright with the American people.
Operation Home Front Village. Remy Benoit
From Jack Jacobs, MSNBC Injured vets capture the attention of only a few
Opinion: Americans need to give back to the troops who served us.
Dental care. Remy Benoit
It is important for everyone, and that includes Veterans, to have good dental care. From Columbia University Medical Center Dental Exam Can Be Crucial in Finding Diabetes.
Clinton - Blackwater -and More. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Blackwater Seeps Into the Campaign.
Yes, it is what they have done, or not done, that indicates what they will do.
From Babak Dehghanpisheh at Newsweek Shia Tensions Provoke Fresh Clashes.
From MSNBC with Brian Williams Iraq's Black Market.
How many generations will be needed to clean this up? How many are we willing to give to it?
Your Internet Radio Station. Remy Benoit
You will find issues of interest to Veterans in the Veterans Forum plus other worthwhile radio programs here at Your Internet Radio Station.
Thanks to Ernest McFall for sending me this information. Join me for my review of his book at
I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep: A Journey Into PTSD.
Without the war on terror.... Remy Benoit
From Tom Englehardt at The Nation Imagine the Bush Administration Without War.
From the National Priorities Project Costs of the Iraq War.
From CRS Cost of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Global War on Terror Since 9/11.
From CNN Forces U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
Iraq Body Count.
From Wikipedia War in Afghanistan 2001-to the Present.
Casualties in war are not just numbers. They are individual people with hopes, dreams, talents, loves that will never be realized. This Memorial was started by the parents of a soldier killed in Vietnam. It should bring home to you what the cost of a child killed in war means to those left behind. Thanks to Michael Orban. for bringing this to my attention. You won't want to miss his Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace. My review will be here soon.
Please join us at The David Westphall Veterans Foundation: History.
How will you remember your loved ones? Our prayers are with you in your loss.
Please let John Cory help remind you of the loss of a loved one in a very personal way in his short story Clean Up on Aisle 6.
Those who have come home, wounded physically, mentally, and spiritually need your help and they need it now. Please support Veterans' Issues and the Disabled Veterans of America. and Paralyzed American Veterans.
For many soldiers coming home The Military Order of the Purple Heart. has been quite helpful. They too need your help to help our Veterans. Be there for them as they have been there for you. Your position on this war does not matter - they matter - they are U.S. - our national family. Would you leave a family member out in the cold? Tell your Congress, tell your President that our Veterans must have everything they need - now.
Politics and Religion. Remy Benoit
From Sara Robinson at Campaign for America's Future Born-Again Americans and That Old-Time (Civil) Religion.
Perhaps the Vietnam conflict should continue to be discussed, written about, examined. There are thousands who still suffer, unattended, from PTSD. This "police action" is still an open wound in this country. We need to address the issues that caused this war, the way it was fought, and those who suffered through it - just as we need to examine Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, PTSD, Agent Orange, Depleted Uranium, Veteran Care, and a hundred other concomitant issues like torture, violations of civil rights, violations of our Constitution.
All this talk about religion - especially Christianity, and very little about compassion, forgiveness, or learning about underlying causes of conflicts. Much of the talk is about who is right, who is more right, who is the most right of all. Where is Christ, or living a Christ-like life in all of this?
There is fear, distrust, revenge, anger, and hatred. Is that what we want Christianity to become? That is another issue we need to think, indeed, pray about.
Philip Butler - "Why I Will Not Vote for John McCain". Remy Benoit
From Philip Butler at Military.com Why I Will Not Vote for John McCain.
The War - Where We Were - a Film by F.C. Rumbaugh. Remy Benoit
This video was sent to me and it is something for us all to look at - and think about. Wars are fought by individuals who then carry their experiences for the rest of their lives, if they are fortunate enough to have the rest of a life to live.
War, as the elder Mrs. Bush pointed out "is not nice." Have you ever asked yourself why we work so hard for war and apply ourselves so much less for the search for peace? If you haven't, perhaps you should.
War is fought a survival level. How many could be spared its horrors if we sought to learn history, to understand underlying causes for war, and work to resolve them with open hands rather than with munitions?
At You Tube a film by F.C. Rumbaugh The War.
Zbigniew Brzezinski - The Smart Way Out of a Foolish War . Remy Benoit
Zbigniew Brzezinski, The Washington Post, at Truthout The Smart Way Out of a Foolish War.
Newsweek - Intra-Shiite Feud. Remy Benoit
From Babak Dehghanpisheh and Larry Kaplow at Newsweek MSNBC All in the Family Renewed violence in Iraq has devolved into an intra-Shiite blood feud.
Why can't "we get" what war is and does?. Remy Benoit
From Damien Cave, NY Times Tacking Marine Lost at Home.
Cancer and Diabetes findings in Veterans of Ranch Hand Reevaluated by Dr. Michalek and Dr. Pavuk MD.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Shame on them and shame on us.
Does it have to be your child before your get interested in the cost of war? Wake up, America - these are our sons, our daughters, our husbands, and wives. They are US. Why can't we get that? Are we afraid to really look at, to know what war is? Is it easier to go about our daily lives and let only "them" - the ones we send to fight - know what war is? If that is the case, perhaps we should take a good long look in our mirrors, and at our children and ask ourselves the soul price, theirs and our own, of refusing to face the truth of war.
Opium Brides. Remy Benoit
From Sami Yousafzai and Ron Moreau and Newsweek
The Opium Brides of Afghanistan In the country's poppy-growing provinces, farmers are being forced to sell their daughters to pay loans.
Bush Wants NATO Help in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush prods NATO countries for Afghan help
In Romania, president renews calls to allow Ukraine, Georgia into alliance.
Mississippi water rising. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Louisiana watches a rising Mississippi
Heavy rains upstream could have dire consequences for state, gulf.
And, from Levees.org the AP at the International Herald Tribune Engineer society flap reinvigorates call for new levee commission.
Sara Robinson: Part 1 - Two Kinds of Americans: Us Versus Them. Remy Benoit
From Sara Robinson at Campaign for Americs's Future Two Kinds of Americans: Us Versus Them (Part I).
When Independent truckers cannot afford the close to $1300 a tank to fill their rigs to deliver goods to your stores, and oil companies are making record profits, well, something is amiss - Yes? Your thoughts on all this are welcome.
Where does my tax dollar go?. Remy Benoit
From John W. Schoen at MSNBC How the government spends your taxes
Here's a travelogue of the journey your dollars have embarked on.
Where does my tax dollar go?. Remy Benoit
From John W. Schoen at MSNBC How the government spends your taxes
Here's a travelogue of the journey your dollars have embarked on.
From The Washington Post, Live Video Covearge of Hearings on the Economy Hearings on the Economy.
Why Won't McCain Sign the New GI Bill?. Remy Benoit
From Wes Clark and Vote Vets Why Won't McCain Sign the new GI Bill?
Gold Star Children. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: A common bond for Gold Star children.
Review: Michael Orban: Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace . Remy Benoit
Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace. by Michael S. Orban
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is a concomitant of war for both combat soldiers and the civilian populations who suffer through it.
At different times we have called it Soldiers’ Heart, Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue. When the staff at Dr. Ed Tick’s, Soldier's Heart.recommended Michael Orban’s book, Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace, I knew, just from the title, that this was a man who had been there, who knew the truth of PTSS. As a long-time Veteran Advocate, I looked forward to reading what he had to tell us all. Not only did Mr. Orban meet my expectations, indeed, he quite surpassed them.
We know it is there, the PTSS, if we care to know; but, for a long, long time, through all the centuries, we weren’t sure what it was. We ignored it; treated it with electrical shock; treated it with derision; told those suffering with it to just get over it and get on with life.
Now we know that it is real—a dilemma of nightmarish proportions that, if not properly diagnosed and treated, can destroy lives, destroy families, even injure communities.
When our soldiers came home from Vietnam, PTSS was not properly diagnosed, nor treated, just as in previous wars. Decades passed before it was given its proper name, its proper recognition. Today we know that of Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately more than 30% (some estimates go as high as 50%) suffer from PTSS. In so very many cases, it is still difficult for them to get treatment, a situation that as a nation we should find intolerable.
Michael Orban’s, Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace, is a beautiful story of the impact of PTSS on one soldier’s life, and the vision he subsequently developed.
Coming home doesn’t seem to “fit right” for Michael. He is now an outsider in a world that was once his; his marriage doesn’t fit; his life doesn’t fit; the material world around him seems superficial and meaningless. Things fall apart for Michael, as they do for thousands of others. But, unlike many others, Michael is blessed with a family, who although they do not understand what he is going through, is, and still are, there for him.
Not fitting into his own world, Michael takes his PTSS back to the jungle; not to the jungle of the “green,” but to a small village, surrounded by jungle in Africa. Life here is at peace with the environment, although aware of its always present dangers.
He finds a community of people who care about each other, from birth to death. Modern medicine, for the most part, is not part of their lives, resulting in the deaths, for instance of very young children who could have been saved by such a simple thing as hydration when it is desperately needed. They live in a world apart from the “modern world;” they do not know that medical science could help them, but they do know the ways of community.
There are no old age homes for the old people, who are tended to by the village and are respected for their age and wisdom. Yet, despite the generations old ability to live cut off from almost all the rest of the world, in general peace with their environment, they know that sometimes they must act at a survival level. Michael witnesses an incident when a deadly snake comes into the village compound. Children and women sans shoes, raise the alarm, stamp wildly, bringing attention to the whole village that there is danger present. The snake is forced up a tree, dispatched, and then taken home to be eaten by an old man. The insight comes to Michael, that in a survival situation, we move into a survival mode – that when he was in the green, having to do things to survive that were directly in opposition to his basic belief system, he was in the survival mode, just as was his enemy at the time.
These people also showed Michael how closely they live to the world of the spirit—and how far his own country seems to have moved from that world into the material.
At another place in Africa, where the desert rules, Michael finds himself an outsider, there only to help build things, never welcomed into the native family as he had been in the jungle.
Michael helps to build a school; learns that in a place where round homes are the norm, that the animist population who believe that negative spirits can lurk in the corners of a rectangular building will not enter them, no matter how modernly functional. Michael learns that in trying to help, sometimes, perhaps, often, negating our good intentions in the long run, we take our own ways with us. This is a lesson not yet learned by nations, rulers, nor, indeed, by the general populations of nations. This, so far, generally unlearned lesson is often a cause of war, perhaps one that could have been prevented by cross cultural understanding.
Michael comes home, again, still not finding it home— finds himself welcomed by family members—finds himself drinking heavily—working only when cash is needed, and while years and relationships go by.
More years go, until one day he truly recognizes, truly knows that the mask he wears, and has worn for decades for the public, is not him, is not working, is not real. Then he finally decides to turn around, to face the dark that is closing in behind, around, and through him. Psychiatrists become a part of his life until finally someone actually hears and asks the question that needs confronting—could having been in combat have something to do with his traumatized condition? By then, PTSS is just beginning to be recognized.
Join Michael in an incredible journey to jungle Africa, to desert Africa, to the rare privilege of being invited into a Pygmy village. Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace is a book about war and about the trauma caused by war, yet it is also a beautiful book about hope; about tearing off the mask combat soldiers show the civilian public; the mask worn to protect themselves from those who refuse to acknowledge what they have sent their own to know.
But Souled Out is more that that—it is a book that examines reasons for war as told to the public and realities of war as faced by combat soldiers. Souled Out is about war trauma; about survival instincts, and about coming home, finally coming home by turning toward and walking through a long dark tunnel into light.
Michael’s is a personal journey, but it is a journey shared in so many ways with generations of soldiers—most of whom never spoke of it— all of whom from now on should. Their views, their experiences, Michael’s experiences, demand of us all that we take a closer look at the realities of war and at the realities of what we ask of those we send to fight it. It is a basic necessity that the civilian population turn around and walk
through the dark tunnel they refuse to even acknowledge exists, to a place where they
can, somewhat, begin to understand what war is and what combat does to those who engage in it. It is our responsibility to those we send to serve. It is our responsibility to come to a place where we can say:
Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace takes us on a soul searching journey to a place where the realization is made that we are part of something huge, vast, and inner-connected. When we learn, as Michael has, as Dr. Albert Schweitzer tried to tell us all, that we can use our pain, use our skills, and hearts not only in healing ourselves, but in sharing ourselves with that much more vast Creation and help to heal it too.
Thank you, Michael, for so openly sharing so much for the healing of others and the planet itself.
McCain and Health Care/VA. Remy Benoit
From Paul Krugman, the NY Times, at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Senator McCain Plans to Dismantle VA, Begin Voodoo Health Economics for Veterans. Even as it stands, the VA needs more help, more of the citizenry demanding it do its job with respect, with celerity, with skill, and compassion. It does not need less - it needs you, Mr. and Mrs. Citizen demanding the absolute best in health care for our Veterans.
We continue. Remy Benoit
From James Gerstenzang, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Bush pledges to send more troops to Afghanistan.
From the AP at MSNBC Candidates to press Gen. Petraeus on Iraq
Top U.S. military commander in Iraq delivers his take on the war next week.
From the AP at MSNBC AP: U.S. plans to cut combat tours to 12 months
Decision comes before Gen. Petraeus speaks to Congress.
From the AP at Truthout State Extends Blackwater's Deal a Year.
Not satisfied with current course of country. Remy Benoit
From David Leonhardt and Marjorie Connelly, The International Herald Tribune, at Truthout 81 Percent in US Poll Say Nation Is on the Wrong Track. I can't help but wonder what percentage of the population is also not satisfied with the current candidates? Maybe we need to do some re-evaluation of who were are, who we want to be, and where we want to go?
3 More US Soldiers Die. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC 3 U.S. soldiers killed in Baghdad attacks
Rocket strikes follow overnight clashes that left 20 dead in Baghdad.
From You Tube a reminder of The Eternal Soldier by The Dolmen. Very graphic - but so is real war as opposed to TV versions.
VA Community Outreach Bill. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for Common Sense Senator Akaka Introduces Bill Requiring VA-Community Partnerships to Reach Rural, Minority, and Underserved Veterans.
Candidates Get to Question Petraeus and Crocker. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Candidates to face off on Iraq at Hill hearings
McCain, Clinton and Obama set to question Petraeus and Crocker.
Petraeus Advises Halt. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Petraeus Advises Halt in Iraq Drawdown. No answers possible to "what if" situations - what do we do with that?
Some Ideas RE: Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Adam Garfinkle at Middle East Strategy at Harvard Iraq: assessment and recommendations.
Global War on Terrorism - Operation Iraqi Freedom - By Casualty Category Within Service.
Global War on Terrorism - Operation Enduring Freedom - Casualty Category Within Service.
Bush to make statement on Iraq 11:30 AM E time.
Interrogation Techniques. Remy Benoit
From Lara Jakes Jordon and Pamela Hess, The Associated Press at Truthout Cheney, Others OK'd Harsh Interrogations.
From Jan Crawford Greenberg, Howard L. Rosenberg and Ariane de Vogue at ABC News
Bush Aware of Advisers' Interrogation Talks
President Says He Knew His Senior Advisers Discussed Tough Interrogation Methods.
Again, we must ask ourselves who we are; what accords we have signed; and how all this impacts on our soldiers.
From the AP Powell: Troops in Iraq Must Be Reduced.
Dalai Lama. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Dalai Lama plans Tibet crisis remarks Sunday
Until now, he has avoided issue at Seattle conference on compassion.
High Casualty Week for U.S. Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From the Robert H. Reid at the AP and Yahoo News US troops suffer worst week this year.
"Shock and Awe". Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Do you remember? Shock and Awe.
Handing problem to successor. Remy Benoit
An Editorial from the NY Times at Truthout All the Time He Needs.
From Joe Lauria at The Huffington Post The Coming War with Iran: It's About the Oil, Stupid.
From Clifford Kraus at the New York Times Seeing Sugar’s Future in Fuel.
From Wikipedia Hemp.
Defending 15 month tours. Remy Benoit
From The Baltimore Sun at Military.com General Defends 15-Month Tours.
From the AP at Military.com 1,300 Iraqi Troops Fired for Deserting.
How are we measuring success?
Coming Home - At Last. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Remains of 7 Repatriated from Vietnam.
U.S. Settles in New Iraq Embassy. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com US Takes Over New Iraq Embassy.
How many hundred years?
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Afghan Group in Talks With Taliban.
If you are elected President, what would you do about...?. Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Would Obama Hold Bush Accountable?
From the ACLU at Veterans for Common Sense President George W. Bush Admits to Approving Torture at White House Meeting.
These are disturbing allegations for a democracy.
Michael Winship: Why Shouldn't We Be Bitter?. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Why Shouldn't We Be Bitter?
Feeding the Planet. Remy Benoit
From Anne Bauer, Les Échos, at Truthout GMO Will Not Save the Planet From Hunger.
Katrina and Levees. Remy Benoit
From Levees.org ASCE does PR campaign for Corps of Engineers.
South Korea to Propose Diplomatic Links to North. Remy Benoit
From Glenn Kessler at The Washington Post S. Korean President Proposes Permanent Diplomatic Relations With Pyongyang.
TBI and PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Pauline Jelinek, AP, at Truthout New Study - 31 Percent of Iraq and Afganistan War Veterans Suffer from Brain Injury or Mental Health Condition.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Ann Tyson Scott, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Afghan commandos emerge
U.S.-trained force plays growing role in fighting insurgents.
Threat of "Open War". Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Anti-U.S. cleric al-Sadr threatens new uprising
To ‘declare open war until liberation’ if crackdown on followers continues.
Non-friendly fire. Remy Benoit
From Leila Fadel, McClatchy Newspapers, at Truthout GIs in Sadr City Under Fire From Friends and Foes.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: In Iraq and in Washington, reality bites.
Managing a Water Crisis. Remy Benoit
From Jeneen Interlandi, Newsweek, at MSNBC Rivers Running Dry A water crisis is impending. In a new book, Jeffrey Sachs outlines easy, low-cost ways to avoid disaster.
Sometimes a huge message in a simple song. Remy Benoit
From the Old Crow Medicine Show at You Tube I Hear Them All.
Earth Day—Celebrate Life. Remy Benoit
It is Earth Day—seems like yesterday this celebration started, but it has been 38 years. Say thank you to the Great Mother that gives you life.
From Senator Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day History of Earth Day.
From Congress.org Environmental Issues Alert.
From Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Changing the current
State environmental laws drive power producers to renewable resources.
One click a day when you boot up will help feed someone The Hunger Site.
From Google What Will You Do for Earth Day 2008.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
With music! From CCR at You tube Creedence clearwater revival - Suzie Q.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the Ap at MSNBC At least 13 killed in spate of Afghan attacks
Children among injured in suicide bombing targeting intelligence agents.
Did Time Magazine Go Too Far?. Remy Benoit
I received an e-mail this morning about Time replacing the American flag with a tree in the famous flag raising picture at Iwo Jima. Many are expressing outrage at this. At Military.com Time Cover Riles Iwo Jima Veterans.
While care of the planet that sustains us a high priority, there are some things, sacrifices that are sacred. On of my children's great uncles served at Iwo. He has since passed on, but I am sure that the shrapnel he carried in his head from there would have set his head to aching seeing this. Shame on you Time. Perhaps the people at Time should read more history.
Military Budget Out of Control?. Remy Benoit
Some thoughts from Ivan Oelrich, Federation of American Scientists The Good Old Days: The military budget is out of control.
IED Tech. Remy Benoit
From Christian Lowe at Military.com US Sells Secret Anti-IED Tech to Iraq.
Veterans Issues. Remy Benoit
If you are looking for the latest in Veterans issues, try Google Veterans Issues.
F-16 v Tree. Remy Benoit
From Military.com F-16 v Tree.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Pentagon/Iran?. Remy Benoit
From Anne Scott Tyson, The Washington Post at Truthout Joint Chiefs Chairman Says US Preparing Military Options Against Iran.
Joe Galloway: Unforgettable Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Unforgettable soldiers.
Hunger. Remy Benoit
From Anthony Fiaola, The Washington Post, at MSNBC The new economics of hunger
Amid brutal convergence of events to hit global market, poor suffer most.
Putting Things Into Perspective. Remy Benoit
From GreatDanePro Somewhere in Time.
Iraq Attacks and Contracts. Remy Benoit
It seems a great deal in Iraq, and elsewhere, is not as it is reported to be.
From the AP at MSNBC Militants launch Baghdad attacks in sandstorm
Dozens killed in clashes around capital as al-Sadr spurns government offer.
From the AP at MSNBC Audit: Millions in Iraq contracts never finished
Investigators: U.S. government has falsely described projects as complete.
From Nancy Grape, the Portland Press Herald, the Maine Sunday Telegram TV military 'analysts' are part of what Ike warned against A New York Times report shines a light on how the military-industrial complex tries to shape broadcast news.
From Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes Pentagon halts feeding of information to retired officers while issue is reviewed.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Marines Launch Attack on Taliban.
Iran?. Remy Benoit
From Steve Weissman at Truthout, a perspective Bomb Bomb Iran by Summer's End?.
April 30, 1975. Remy Benoit
From Info Please End of the Vietnam War.
We are losing incredible amounts of oral history.
Please, feel free to post your memories here to share with others. You have a vast legacy and we cannot let it be lost.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Disclosure not necessary. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Soldiers won't have to disclose past therapy
Defense Dept. hopes change on security clearance form for will ease stigma.
If Valild, Unacceptable. Remy Benoit
From an angry Dad at You Tube Army Barracks conditions in 82nd Fort (ft) Bragg.
Credit Card Cleanups?. Remy Benoit
From Bob Sullivan, The Red Tape Chronicles at MSNBC Regulators Target Card-Card Shenanigans.
Take care of your soldiers—first!. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Press Commentary: An indictment of our Army's competence.
As one reader indicates, the fault is shared with us at the citizen level for allowing this; with Congress; with leadership at the very top.
So, have you talked with your Senator. or Representative.
about this yet?
And, since we know where the proverbial buck stops, The White House.
Passing On the Wars. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Bush Details $70B War Fund for '09.
These wars are being not only passed on to the next incumbent, but to our children, and perhaps theirs to pay for. Cost of Iraq War. CRS Report for Congress Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11. From Bruce Falconer, Mother Jones, at Truthout Contractors Gone Wild.
From the AP at MSNBC Four Marines killed in Iraq's Anbar province
Region recently been largely calmed with rise of anti-al-Qaida Sunni groups.
From Andrew Miga, the AP at Truthout Lawmakers Seek Probe of Pentagon PR Program.
Outsourcing training. Remy Benoit
From Walter Pincus, The Washington Post, at Truthout US Seeks Contractors to Train Iraqi Military.
Talks U.S. Iran Suspended. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iran suspends talks with U.S. on security in Iraq
Tehran demands clashes between U.S.-led forces, Shiite militias end.
From Pepe Escobar, TomDispatch.com at truthout The Iranian Chessboard: Five Ways to Think About Iran Under the Gun.
From Olga Bonfiglio at Common Dreams Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Doesn’t Mince Words About War and Justice.
By Joan Vennochi at The Boston Globe We're in a war - where are the media?.
Addington Subpoena. Remy Benoit
From Pamela Hess, the AP, at Truthout House Panel Subpoenas Top Cheney Aide.
Suicides Occur 'Just Like Cancer Occurs'. Remy Benoit
From Bob Brewin, Government Executive, at Veterans for Common Sense Another Outrage as VA Official Says Suicides Occur 'Just Like Cancer Occurs'.
Cleaning Up Barracks. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Army reacts after video reveals shoddy barracks
YouTube effect: Military OKs $250 million for repairs to decrepit facilities.
Senator Russ Feingold. Remy Benoit
From Russ Feingold, The Los Angeles Times at Truthout Government in Secret.
Deploying Medically Unfit?. Remy Benoit
From Gregg Zoroya, USA Today at Veterans for Common Sense Pentagon Deployed 43,000 Medically Unfit Soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Armor protection. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Military adds armor to protect troops in Iraq
Congress OK's $22 billion for 15,000 blast-resistant vehicles.
Army Barracks Inspection / Stop Loss. Remy Benoit
From Mike Mount at CNN Army barracks set for repair after nationwide inspection.
From Julian E. Barnes, Los Angeles Times, at Truthout US Army's "Stop-Loss" Orders Up Dramatically Over Last Year.
An Editorial from the New York Times at Truthout The Lucrative Art of War.
From Helen Thomas, Hearst Newspapers at the Seattle Post Intelligencer
People can handle the truth about war.
Happy Mother's Day!. Remy Benoit
Hope your families all treat you the way you deserve today!
As for me, well, I am taking the day off. But first, some music...From Queen at You Tube We Are the Champions.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Say Thank You to a Soldier!. Remy Benoit
From the Gratitude Campaign -Scott Truitt, FOUNDER, The Gratitude Campaign: Say Thank You.
I know how much this would mean now to those coming home; how very much it would have meant to other soldiers from Once upon a time.
It still would mean a lot to those of our generation, many of whom carry a world of hurt from the negativity they were met with when they came home from the green; the indifference they met coming home from Korea; the lack of attention and gratitude from countless other encounters.
Here is your chance to do what should be done now; your chance to do what should have been done then, indeed, to make up for some of the terrible things that were done Once upon a time.
Many of you have told me that you wish you could make it up to them, that people were wrong in the way they treated our Vietnam Veterans—here is your chance to start correcting that. Take it, and begin to heal those long open wounds their countrymen inflicted after they had already known such horror.
Veteran Suicide Rates. Remy Benoit
From Aaron Glantz, Foreign Policy in Focus at Truthout The Truth About Veteran Suicides.
Mortgage Disasters and Blocking Resolutions. Remy Benoit
An Editorial from the New York Times speaks to the issue—anyone have statistics on how many of the failures are military families? Saying No to Everything.
Presidential Remarks. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Obama blasts Bush over 'Nazi' comments
Aides deny president, on Mideast trip, was criticizing Democratic candidate. When you start reaching out and comparing people and events with that word you have already turned them off and made clear the paucity of your argument.
From Keith Olberman at MSNBC. Keep in mind that Mr. Olbermann is the anti-fan of Mr. Bush. At Truthout Of War and Golf.
Our troops are in a war. They must have our support despite whatever lies behind the war's origin; whatever possible criminal charges may one day apply; whatever name calling goes on between politicos; whatever war profiteering is going on.
We have, I have, loved ones there. Stand with them outside the political arena, inside the fact that they are US. Never forget that—THEY ARE US.
Wars and Funding the Wars. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Gates Criticizes DoD Iraq War Planning.
From the AP at Military.com House Rejects War-funding Bill.
From Senator Jim Webb at Born Fighting PAC Doing The Troops Wrong.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Propaganda and the Media.
Jeremy Scahill Reviews Cusack's "War, Inc.". Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill at Truthout John Cusack's War: The Actor Battles to Un-embed Hollywood With His New Film, "War, Inc.".
Alternatives to War. Remy Benoit
A link came to me this morning about Rick Steves and a special trip he is making. Many of us have "arm chair traveled" many places with Rick.
This time he will be taking us to Iran. Mission: Understand Iran. to help us understand who these people are and what they are thinking.
Communication can resolve problems. Perhaps Rick's journey can help with this.
To Janet——thanks for sharing this with us!
Giraffe Project: Campaign for Courage. Remy Benoit
Democracy is everyone's job! Find out how you can work to preserve it. Campaign for Courage '08.
Legal Limbo for Iraqis. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iraqi court rulings stop at U.S. detention sites
Military says it allowed to hold prisoners despite local law and court rulings.
McCain and Arizona Land Deal. Remy Benoit
From JoAnne Allen, Reuters, at Truthout McCain Action Helped Arizona Developer: Report.
Bill Moyers: Democracy in America. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers at Common Dreams Democracy in America Is a Series of Narrow Escapes, and We May Be Running Out of Luck.
From Walter Pincus, The Washington Post at Truthout Keeping Secrets: In Presidential Memo,
a New Designation for Classifying Information.
Bob Herbert: Let's Be Serious. Remy Benoit
I don't know about how you feel about it, but is this the election, the bickering, the going nowhere that goes on forever?
From Bob Herbert of the New York Times at TruthoutLet's Be Serious.
Memorial Day Message. Michael Orban
We will be having a series of Guest Writers for this Memorial Day. If you have a message for Veterans, if you are a Veteran with a message for other Veterans, please send it along through Comments. I will try my best to keep up with you to share your messages.
Today our visitor is Michael Orban, author of Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace. Michael was drafted for service in Vietnam in 1971 and served with the Infantry- First Cavalry Division. You may read my review of his book here at Review: Michael Orban: Souled Out: A Memoir of War and Inner Peace.
Michael is a Veteran Activist, writing, speaking out for Veterans, for education about PTSD. Join him today with his Memorial Day thoughts.
Blessings,
Remy
A Memorial Day Message from Korean War Veteran Al Beck. Remy Benoit
I am honored to say that Professor Emeritus Al Beck is a treasured friend of mine. In addition to his service in the Korean War, where he spent a Christmas watching the heavy snow fall, he has so much contributed to the beauty of our world through his art, his poetry, his folksinging, and just being him! Let Al be an example to you that there is life after war if you open yourself to warmth, creativity, beauty, and all of Creation.
You may find my reviews of some of Al's poetry simply by putting his name in the search engine here.
You may visit with Al at his beautiful Rocky Hollow.
Don't miss clicking on his Pyrapod.
This is Al's message to all of us. I thank him for his words, and the example he has set for all of us with his life and work.
Big hugs coming to you, Al.
From Professor Emeritus Al Beck:
As a Korean War Vet, I have a deep and abiding respect for those who served our country in the military and died as a result of their efforts to protect this American Way of Life.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, must remind us of this human sacrifice. We have, as United States citizens, a duty to remember and honor those who are no longer with us.
To understand the agony of war, we are obligated to pause in our lives and recognize how difficult a task every soldier in wartime faces.
Our county's leaders need to carefully plan future conflicts so that fewer soldiers pass on and those returning are given very special consideration for the job they were asked to do. No human being who has spent time as a soldier under the United States military command should have to accept less than the highest appreciation from our country's citizens.
It is with this in my heart and soul that I express a plea for all to pause on Memorial Day and honor those who have died in the protection of our country's life and liberty.
Al Beck
Memorial Day. Remy Benoit
When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence he helped to launch one of the greatest experiments of all time—a nation governed by its PEOPLE. Most of the world said that we would fail, that it couldn't be done.
Well, it has been done—done because our PEOPLE stood behind it; protected; gave their limbs, hearts, souls, and lives to see that it endured. This Memorial Day Holiday is NOT about sales on barbecues, and yet it is. It is because so many have given so much so that you would live free—to thrive, to grow, to be educated contributors to this society of ours. And, indeed, to indulge in barbecues on this holiday.
As a nation we are woefully unaware of the wealth of our history. We are not cognizant of individuals all along the way who devoted their lives to improving it; making it grow. We are woefully unaware that sometimes, despite a paucity of leadership, we have continued because WE are the American Dream.
If you are sitting by and not demanding real answers, real positions, from the candidates for the highest office in the land; if you are sitting by and not demanding the right care for our Veterans, then you are not taking your place in the caravan of history that will determine if we will continue to grow, to thrive, to see that All have access to the best we can be.
If there is poverty in this country, and there is; if there is inadequate treatment for our Veterans, and there is; if our cities, roads, levees, bridges, school systems, and health systems are not what they should be, and they are not, the fault lies not with the millions who have died for them to be what they should be, but with us.
This Memorial Day, make a determination to stand up, just as the Founding Fathers stood up; just as countless generations of Veterans have stood up. Read your children and grandchildren their Bill of Rights. Thank a Veteran—reach out and help a Veteran. Demand of Congress a viable GI Bill; demand real recognition of PTSD as a concomitant of war; demand respectful treatment of Soldier's Heart—of PTSD for our Veterans; demand a viable VA system as a way of really thanking them for putting their lives on hold for you; of letting their lives end so you could live yours. Stand up as they have and make your voice be counted.
For a history, and YES, READ HISTORY, go here History.com for A History of Memorial Day.
Blessings,
Remy
Jim Furr: A Memorial Day Message. Remy Benoit
I am honored tonight with another guest.
Jim Furr is a Veteran and a graduate of West Point, 1968. Jim is a member of a brotherhood of men which has devoted 40 years now to watching over us in an astonishing array of capacities I could sit here all night just listing for you.
They have truly lived up to their Class Motto—No Task Too Great!
Tonight's message from Jim Furr is a very personal one, right from the heart:
In addition, many of us will reflect this Memorial Day on the privilege, the blessing, really, that is ours to live in the USA. Where else in all the world have average folks enjoyed such opportunity?!
We might well ask, “What is the secret of America’s greatness?” I would argue that it has everything to do with the spiritual roots of our nation. Between 1740 and 1770, through the preaching of men like Jonathan Edwards a movement known as The Great Awakening swept across America, stimulating the moral and spiritual life of hundreds of thousands of colonialists. This "revival" produced a people of character, who in turn produced a document of character, the Constitution, called by England’s William Gladstone “the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.” "Righteousness exalts a nation."
In 1831, the brilliant French statesman Alexis de Tocqueville came to America in search of her greatness. After traveling throughout the U.S., he wrote, "Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secrets of her genius and power." "America is great, he concluded, “because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."
Is it possible that America, this land on which God so lavishly "shed His grace," is ceasing to be good? I need not rehearse for you the sad statistics on divorce, violent crime, suicide, teen pregnancy, boardroom high jinks, pornography, drug and sexual abuse, alcoholism, addictive gambling, etc. Surely no thinking person would deny that we are witnessing the deterioration of our national character. And as de Tocqueville observed, our greatness follows our character.
Although a measure of greatness remains, we are, in my view, clinging to the lingering blessings of a 200-year history of embracing the Judeo-Christian ethic. Secularism, which holds traditional values in contempt, originally the purview of a few atheists and academic elites, began spreading quickly 40 years ago and is today the dominant worldview in the public sector. The result, predictably, has been cultural decline. As exceptional as the Constitution is, the character of the people is essential to its functioning. When “We the People of the United States,” lacking integrity, lose our “genius and power,” in de Tocqueville’s words, this marvelous experiment in freedom can no longer survive. "Sin is a disgrace to any nation.”
The present trend is not irreversible, but change must begin with you and me. The righteousness that exalts a nation is personal. A nation is righteous because its people are righteous. And the Bible says righteousness starts with God. I'm convinced that the best thing we can do for America, and the best way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes, is to initiate a personal relationship with God through faith in his Son and then work in partnership with God to reclaim the fullness of our country’s greatness.
This Memorial Day: Take a Stand for the GI Bill. Remy Benoit
From the Virginian-Pilot at Military.com Senate Passes Webb GI Bill.
Join Senator Webb at Born Fighting.
Tell the White House it is time to stand up for our Veterans White House.
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS in the News: Does McCain Have a Vets Problem?. If Senator McCain is prepared for "100" years of war, then he should be prepared to care for our Vets. Contact John McCain contact.
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Senate Resurrects War Funding Bill.
Lonnie D. Story—Memory Lessons. Remy Benoit
Lonnie Story is one of our Veterans who has served us well.
He is the author of the biographical The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg. that takes you into the real life story of the resilient Anni as she lives through wartime Luxembourg. You may read my review of this beautifully written account of her life at Amazon.
Lonnie is here with us today to remind us again that it is, has been, and must be the PEOPLE working together that has made, and will make this country great.
Welcome Lonnie!
From Holly Hill Florida—
As a veteran and student of war and peace, politics and religion, Memorial Day means much more than just beach, boating and grilling hot dogs while watching flags wave in the wind. Today, we are supposed to be a nation at war. I say “supposed” because it just does not feel that way and I think that, for the most part, the average American doesn’t feel it either. I think a lot of the evidence is in the fact that day-to-day conversations seem to be more focused on the coming elections, gas prices, food prices and the housing market. I wonder if my grandfather rung his hands about the metal shortages, ration cards and gas shortages in the early to mid 1940's while his brothers were in Europe and the Pacific fighting for their lives, the lives of their buddies and the life of this country we call The United States of America. I emphasize the word United, because I fail to see much union in our Union. Well, maybe except the fact that there appears to be a plague of murmuring and selfishness in it all.
As a biographer, I have had the privilege of interviewing and speaking with many of my elders, dozens of people that are members of the “Greatest Generation.” There is good reason for their being called the Great Generation.” In our eyes, they most certainly should be called great. Sadly, we, as a society in whole, don’t seem to have learned much from something we supposedly admire and call great! If I had a “great” pizza, I think I would want another one as soon as I had the hunger for one again. I think I would want to know what made it so great and maybe even try to get the recipe. If I had a “great” day fishing, I think I would want to write down, or at least commit to memory, the reasons it was such a great day. What did I do different? What was different about the water or weather? What was different about the size and amount of fish I caught? If I had a great time with friends and family, I think I would want to memorialize it with pictures and, again, write down what made it so special and unique. I think you, the reader, may be starting to get the picture of what I am alluding to here. We have failed miserably in memorializing what this greatest generation did to cause them such distinction over generations past. When I look at it as a whole and digest the stories I have heard first hand, I find that these people didn’t consider themselves so much as great, rather they find themselves to be ordinary people with possibly one great distinction we don’t have today: They were in the fight of their lives, for their lives and that of their nation. They really cared if the United States of America remained United and the States of America. Today, we don’t seem to care if there is a declaration of war issued by not just our President, but also our Congress, a decision that cannot be made nor taken lightly.
It seems that a few, a minority of the nation, are fighting this “war.” Growing up, I always looked at historical events over the thousands of years where war occurred. It was always a “national” effort by the countries, races or peoples involved. It wasn’t a part time job or part time effort. This country has splintered so decisively and selfishly that the few in the minority holding weapons in defense of a nation are merely pawns and, although they are well supported by most, will soon be forgotten once they are off the battlefield. For me, I have a shadow over my heart today and will through the weekend. Every year, it seems, I go through this same grieving process and survivors guilt. I feel guilty for not having died in defense of my country the way my heart, mind, will and emotions had been so dedicated to doing. I survived while so many countless others did not and will not. So where are the memories to be buried and when is the funeral? It must certainly be soon because they have most certainly died in the arms of forgetfulness and reckless abandonment. So much blood, sweat and tears poured out in Europe, the pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the list goes on even in Iraq and Afghanistan. Except, unlike the greatest generation, we have failed to unite, failed to remember and failed to practice wisdom from what we should have learned already. You fight a war with everything you’ve got, fight it to the death if necessary, no holds barred, no rest, no respite, no giving in until the job is done and the victory or defeat has come. For me, memorial day is every day and they are not always good days. As for Memorial Day, it should be renewed to Remembrance Day, Renewal of Commitment Day and a few other names for the sake of our friends, family and those before us and those there now, who do give all and won’t forget what war is like, what the price is and why we fight. You can bet your bottom dollar, in all the wars going on today, not just ours as Americans, soldiers are side by side, crying together, laughing together, eating and sleeping together. They are UNITED. Sadly, the States don’t seem so. To this I say with true and genuine heartfelt pain “GOD BLESS AMERICA.”
While We Honor Our Veterans, WE Should Be Considering a "New National Narrative". Remy Benoit
So Lonnie Story points out so well in his Memory Lessons here at WHS, we are NOT functioning as a nation, but as splinter groups. We are all, hopefully, of the thought that A nation divided against itself cannot stand.
We new a new national conversation; a new national commitment, and we need to come to that NOW.
I refer you to these four articles at Utne by Nan Mooney, from the book Nan Mooney: (Not) Keeping Up with Our Parents. at Reimagining the American Dream.
Once again, it is up to us, the PEOPLE to care for this country while the politicos bicker and waste, leave to ruin, our national heritage and place.
May I also draw your attention to another article at Utne The POWER of Kindness by Dacher Keltner.
As he notes in his article:
I would also like to draw your attention to this article by George Packer, originally from World Affiars republished at Utne KINDNESS Amid CARNAGE.
Wake up, America: Your Veterans Need You. Remy Benoit
An Editorial from USA Today at Veterans for Common Sense Our View on Mental Health and the Military - Wars Take a Deadly Toll, Even After Vets Return Home.
This is reality—take hold of it and help them get help. This is part of the new National Narrative the article below addresses. They (the soldiers) are US—why don't we get that? Why don't we do something about helping them?
From YES! Magazine-Dr. Ed Tick: Heal the Warrior, Heal the Country. Remy Benoit
With Permission from YES! and thanks to the magazine for sharing this with us, I give you Dr. Ed Tick, author of War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. If you have a problem with PTSD, I am here to help and you may also go to Soldier's Heart. Just ask for Miz' Paula and tell her I sent you. She is deeply committed to helping you and a grand lady!
John Cory: No Room on the Wall. Remy Benoit
Please join my good friend, John Cory, for some very special thoughts on Memorial Day.
At Truthout John Cory: No Room On the Wall.
Major General William Troy: Funeral Duty. Remy Benoit
Day after day, week after week, I try to get across to you that our soldiers, our veterans, are US. They are our sons, daughters, wives, husbands, uncles, aunts, friends.
We are a nation at war, but we are not a nation at war as we once were during WWII. The daily sacrifices, the daily involvement in producing what is needed to win a war effort, does not touch us personally as it did then. But, nevertheless, soldiers die, and those soldiers are part of our National Family. Major General William Troy speaks to that in his essay at the Washington Post Funeral Duty.
Please read of the grief of families, and know that grief is yours too. Stand by your soldiers, support care for Veterans. Demand the best for them—they are giving all for you.
PTSD Soars in Troops. Remy Benoit
From David Morgan, Reuters at Truthout Post-Traumatic Stress Soars in US Troops.
McClellan Book. Remy Benoit
From Michael D. Shear, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Ex-press aide writes Bush misled U.S. on Iraq
McClellan says in new book that White House used propaganda to sell war.
From Bill Quigley at Truthout War Immemorial Day.
A little clearing up of history here in reference to Memorial Day which is and was intended to honor those who gave all for their country. Memorial Day. Although praying for peace is something most of us do most of the time, a memorial holiday, dare I say holy day, is just that.
Doug Patton: A Memorial Day to Remember, 2008. Remy Benoit
These Memorial Day thoughts by Doug Patton were sent to me by a man who has made service to his country his life. Thanks, Walt!
We would like to share these thoughts with you from GOPUSA
A Memorial Day To Remember 2008
By Doug Patton.
Press Spin?. Remy Benoit
From Terence Hunt of the AP at Free Press Newsroom Exposing Washington's Spinning Permanent Campaign.
And this piece that brings war close and personal to those who have to fight it. From Dave Tobin at Newhouse News War-Bound Soldiers Freeze Sperm Before Shipping Out. If this doesn't tell you that they are US, well, how do we get through and make you all understand these soldiers are part of our national family and need you behind them.
111 Countries Ban Cluster Bomb. Remy Benoit
From CNN Countries agree cluster bomb ban. U.S. not attending.
Military Service Stress. Remy Benoit
From John Rutherford, Producer, NBC Soldiers: Long Tours Create "Lot of Stress."
How is our planet doing? Not so well..... Remy Benoit
From Seth Borenstein, AP, at Yahoo News White House issues climate report 4 years late.
Scientific Assessment FULL Report.
From NPR, John Nielsen and David Malakoff Bush Eyes Unprecedented Conservation Program.
As Mr. Spock might say, It is illogical to destroy your source of life. Please do something planet friendly today: plant a tree, drive a bit less, recylce, contact your Congressmen and Senators and ask what they are doing to support the planet, and, indeed, our lives on it.
What are you personally doing to maintain the balance of life for your children and theirs?
Veteran Issues. Remy Benoit
From Kathleen M. Howley at Bloomberg Foreclosures in Military Towns Surge at Four Times U.S. Rate.
From Edward Humes, Los Angeles Times at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Senator McCain's Attack on Veterans.
What Message Does the Media Deliver—and How Well?. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Cohen at Consortium News McClellan and the Media 'Enablers'.
From Steve Rendall at Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting Wrong on Iraq? Not Everyone
Four in the mainstream media who got it right.
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Press Commentary: It's time to do right by our troops.
Australia End Combat Ops in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Australia Ends Iraq Combat Operations.
Here we go again-FEMA Trailers. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC FEMA may use trailers again in emergency
Agency had promised to never use them again because of safety issues.
Continued Presence in Iraq?. Remy Benoit
From Walter Pincus at The Washington Post New Contracts Reflect Continued Presence in Iraq.
Health Care. Remy Benoit
From Grace E. Jackson, MD, at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Exclusive: Medication Effects and the Invisible Wounds of War: Why We Need A Blue Ribbon Panel on Soldier Suicide and Iatrogenic Harm.
Special Presidential Debate. Remy Benoit
From Military.com Obama and McCain Answer Your Questions.
Driving up oil prices?. Remy Benoit
Have "sticker shock" at the gas pumps?
Feeling the impact on your grocery order of the cost of food distribution that is being passed off onto you?
Cutting back on all kinds of things just to get to work?
Well, maybe, one of the reasons lies here. If you have had enough of reverse Robin Hood tactics, let your Senators and Representatives know that. Let the candidates know that.
From David Cho, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Investors' appetite for oil evades market limits
Trading loophole for Wall Street speculators is driving up prices, critics say.
Following that line of thinking, from Maya Schenwar at Truthout DOD Contracts Out Contractor Oversight.
From John W. Schoen at MSNBC Job losses continue to weigh on economy
Forecasters expect May data to show another 58,000 drop in payrolls.
From Tom Philpott, Special to Stars and Stripes VA, Congress assist veterans in mortgage mess.
From the AP at MSNBC Home foreclosures set record in first quarter
Economists expect defaults to keep rising as housing crisis deepen.
All these speculators are speculating with your life, with the lives of your children. Today is the Anniversary of D-Day.—the 64th Anniversary. Somehow I don't think our men hit those beach heads to line the pockets of the speculators, but to Preserve, Protect, and Defend our Constitution and the American Dream. We could give these men who gave it all, who spilled their blood into the tides until they ran red, the respect of caring for our nation's Veterans. Joh McChesney at PBS—Many Veteran Suicides are Guardsmen, Reservists.
Perhaps it is time for you to honor them, by demanding investigations into all these areas.
If you don't demand answers from your candidates while they are candidates, why ever would you consider that they might listen once the become incumbents?
Senate Panel. Remy Benoit
From Greg Miller at the Los Angeles Times Senate Intelligence Committee rebukes Bush, Cheney on prewar claims.
Support the GI Bill-Write to the President. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA and Jon Stewart Jon Stewart on the new GI Bill.
This is support for our troops! Time to put the money where the words are.
Oil Price Jump. Remy Benoit
From Adam Schreck, AP, at Truthout Oil Prices Take Biggest Jump Ever.
Perhaps it is time to take a day off from the pumps and get the message across.
From Mother Earth News Renewable Energy.
From David Sirota, Truthdig, at Common Dreams The Populist Uprising.
Also of interest, from Jeremy Scahill, The Nation, at Common Dreams Blackwater’s Private Spies.
And this opinion piece from DAvid Michael Green at Common Dreams A Whole School of Trout in the Milk: What We Already Know About Iraq From the People Who Launched the War.
In London, from CNN, a WWII bomb unearthed WWII bomb detonated in London.
Iraqis Want US Forces to Leave as Part of Agreement. Remy Benoit
From Reuters at Truthout Iraq Lawmakers Want US Forces Out as Part of Deal.
Dan Rather Speaks Out on Corporate News. Remy Benoit
From Dan Rather at Truthout Dan Rather Slams Corporate News at National Conference for Media Reform.
Veteran Suicide Hotline. Remy Benoit
Our Veterans are in trouble. They need us to stand by them.
They need us to listen.
If you are a Veteran, and you need someone to listen, this is the Veteran Suicide Hotline.
A British View. Remy Benoit
From First Post, UK, Peter Walker and Julian Borger Anti-War Protesters Banned From Demonstrating Against Bush.
West Point Grads Speak. Remy Benoit
From Guy Raz at NPR War to Follow Graduation for Many Cadets.
Soldiers and Meds. Remy Benoit
War is a terrible thing—all sorts of things happen, and many of them are very hard to deal with, especially with extended tours, mortgages collapsing at home, opponents raging against the new GI Bill, fellow citizens not willing to take the time to write the letters, make the phone calls to stand up for proper medical, spiritual support for you.
From David Martin, CBS, at Veterans for Common Sense News Investigation: Many Frontline Troops Turn to Meds to Cope.
Veterans' Radio-GI Bill. Remy Benoit
From Veterans' Radio this Saturday, June 14 GI Bill-Then and Now. Find out who is eligible, what it means and why YOU should demand your Senators and Representatives support it.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment—McCain's "Not Too Important". Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann at MSNBC Not Too Important.
Air Force Shakeup. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Air Force Leadership Gets the Axe.
A good read for "what if" history buffs!. Remy Benoit
Just finished this one and really enjoyed its premise and its spunk! Brendan DuBois: Resurrection Day.
What if the missiles of October had flown? Well written, well thought out—well worth the read!
May Combat Deaths in Afghanistan Higher Than Those in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC May combat deaths in Afghanistan outpace Iraq
Violence signals widening of war to Pakistan, Taliban, al-Qaida havens.
The Rule of LAW. Remy Benoit
From The Washington Post an Editorial at Veterans for Common Sense A Victory for the Rule of the Law.
From Financial Times, Andrew Ward and Demetri Sevastopulo at Veterans for Common Sense Senator McCain Attacks Supreme Court Decision Restoring Habeas Corpus and Rule of Law.
Gore Endorses Obama. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Al Gore endorses Barack Obama The former vice president vows to help elect the Illinois Democrat.
Video Gore Endorses Obama.
John McCain.
Mike Gravel.
And speaking of change, this was sent to me this morning—at You Tube Little River Band—Cool Change.
You might want to check out this site for campaign smears Fight the Smears.
Afghanistan Escalates. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek, Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball at MSNBC The Taliban's Great Escape A daring prison break shows that Afghanistan's militants are back--and as bold as ever.
Experimental Drug Treatments for PTSD?. Remy Benoit
From Audrey Hudson, The Washington Post, at MSNBC VA Testing Experimental Drugs on War Veterans with PTSD.
Kucinich: Impeachmen is NOT off the Table!. Remy Benoit
From Christopher Kuttruff at Truthout Kucinich: Impeachment Not "Off the Table".
Seemingly, Dennis Kucinich is not the only one who feels this way as at Impeach Bush over 1 million Americans have "voted" in favor of that move.
Where do you stand on this? Let us hear your thoughts. It is your country, and you are where the "buck stops."
Also at Truthout, Matt Renner and Maya Schenwar, this disturbing piece. US General Accuses Bush Administration of War Crimes.
From Cheryl Corley at NPR A Profile of Gen. Antonio Taguba
Fellow Filipino Americans Proud of Author of Iraqi Prison Report.
House Roll Call on GI Bill. Remy Benoit
Joe Galloway: General Taguba Knew that the Scandal ..... Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: Gen. Taguba knew scandal went to the top.
"Borderline Troops". Remy Benoit
From Dan Ephron at NEWSWEEK IRAQ
‘He Should Never Have Gone to Iraq’More borderline troops are being sent to the front, sometimes with tragic results.
Reporters Say It Is HARD to Report the Wars With Network Interference. Remy Benoit
From Brian Stelter, The New York Times at Truthout Reporters Say Networks Block War Reports.
Congressional Resolution on Iran?. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar and Matt Renner at Truthout Congressional Resolution Demands Bush Act on Iran.
Congressional Power Must Be Protected. Remy Benoit
This piece is thought provoking no matter where you stand on a particular president. Our Constitution is the sacred law of our land: the inherent Balance of Power must be protected, even in war time.
From Robert Borosage at Campaign for America's Future Time for a Grand Inquest into Bush's High Crimes.
Surveillance Society, Are We?. Remy Benoit
From Alex Johnson at MSNBC Smile! More and more, you’re on camera
Public surveillance video mushrooms despite lack of evidence it really works.
2nd Amendment Rights Preserved. Remy Benoit
North Korea Destroys Reactor Tower. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC North Korea destroys tower at nuclear complex
Pyongyang calls for end to 'hostile' U.S. policy after symbolic demolition.
30,00 more Troops to Iraq?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Truthout Officials: 30,000 troops heading to Iraq in 2009.
We are proud to present: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Remy Benoit
Over the last several months, I have had the privilege and honor of working closely with the members of the West Point Class of 1968.
Our work together has resulted in this unique preservation of the history of this War Class.
It is truly an heirloom volume.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present to you, Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.Edited by Remy Benoit
at a
The price for orders received after July 30, 2008 will be $35.00 per copy* if any copies are available.
*A packing and shipping charge of an additional $10 per copy will apply for books not picked up by the purchaser at the 40th reunion.
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
About the Book. This extraordinary anthology contains selections authored by over 120 members of the class who share their thoughts and bare their souls. The vignettes range from whimsical recollections of cadet hijinks to weighty reflections on our times – on our service to the nation - on the painful loss of departed classmates, including our twenty friends who fell, all too young, in Vietnam—on Duty, Honor, Country.
Come through the sally port into Central Area of Barracks; report to the man in the red sash. Relive the travails of Plebe year. Savor the 1964 victory of the Army football team over a Navy team led by Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, and the first-ever Christmas leave for Plebes. Delight in the clandestine appropriation of Billy XV, the great Sugar Bowl incident, the dunking of the reveille cannon. Sorrow at the sad return of fallen comrades from earlier classes for interment in the West Point Cemetery. Feel the anxious anticipation of branch and first assignment selection and the extraordinary elation of graduation day. Sail your white hat far into a cloudless summer sky; take a solemn oath at a commissioning ceremony. Party hearty at classmate weddings and graduation leave. Train hard enroute to your first unit. Take a long plane ride ‘til you’re so far west you’re east. Hump ruck through the boonies. Know again the soaring elation and irrational guilt of survival. Mourn lost friends and comrades, celebrate their lives and honor their selfless service and sacrifice. These are the reflections waiting for you within the pages of this beautiful hardbound book—these and many, many more.
Don’t Delay! Order Online Today!
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.
Veteran Care. Remy Benoit
From Catholic Health Worker at Veterans for Common Sense Are We Letting Down Our Nation's Veterans?.
Keith Olbermann: Obama's FISA Opportunity. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann of MSNBC at Truthout Special Comment: Obama's FISA Opportunity.
Happy Birthday USA. Remy Benoit
It's the 4th of July! Thank a soldier, a veteran, for protecting the freedom you are enjoying at that cookout!
For Extreme meals, visit with Neal Ungerleider, Forbes Traveler at MSNBC Extreme July Fourth meals
Chow down on 15-pound burgers, salmon hot dogs and more.
Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Remy Benoit
Over the last several months, I have had the privilege and honor of working closely with the members of the West Point Class of 1968.
Our work together has resulted in this unique preservation of the history of this War Class.
It is truly an heirloom volume.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present to you, Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.Edited by Remy Benoit
The price for orders received after July 30, 2008 will be $35.00 per copy* if any copies are available.
*A packing and shipping charge of an additional $10 per copy will apply for books not picked up by the purchaser at the 40th reunion.
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
About the Book. This extraordinary anthology contains selections authored by over 120 members of the class who share their thoughts and bare their souls. The vignettes range from whimsical recollections of cadet hijinks to weighty reflections on our times – on our service to the nation - on the painful loss of departed classmates, including our twenty friends who fell, all too young, in Vietnam—on Duty, Honor, Country.
Come through the sally port into Central Area of Barracks; report to the man in the red sash. Relive the travails of Plebe year. Savor the 1964 victory of the Army football team over a Navy team led by Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, and the first-ever Christmas leave for Plebes. Delight in the clandestine appropriation of Billy XV, the great Sugar Bowl incident, the dunking of the reveille cannon. Sorrow at the sad return of fallen comrades from earlier classes for interment in the West Point Cemetery. Feel the anxious anticipation of branch and first assignment selection and the extraordinary elation of graduation day. Sail your white hat far into a cloudless summer sky; take a solemn oath at a commissioning ceremony. Party hearty at classmate weddings and graduation leave. Train hard enroute to your first unit. Take a long plane ride ‘til you’re so far west you’re east. Hump ruck through the boonies. Know again the soaring elation and irrational guilt of survival. Mourn lost friends and comrades, celebrate their lives and honor their selfless service and sacrifice. These are the reflections waiting for you within the pages of this beautiful hardbound book—these and many, many more.
Don’t Delay! Order Online Today!
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.
Speaking of Freedom. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: How dare they rip the Fourth Amendment?
Some Suggestions for Interesting Reading.. Remy Benoit
I suggest a couple books by Brendan DuBois for your summer reading.
For an MIA story about Vietnam War that will deeply trouble you Betrayed.
For a story about life here without our Constitution in a post-war situation Resurrection Day.
Britta Reque-Dragicevic: Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War. Remy Benoit
Several months ago, Britta Reque-Dragicevic's book,Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War was sent to me. As writers do, we cooperated on this venture and Veterans with whom I work have added their writing to this gentle, loving, and compassion guide to coming home. Britta worked as an AP journalist in post-war Bosnia, thus she knows what war can do.
In this e-book version which includes writing from John Cory, Lonnie D. Story, Harry Kieninger. and me among others Britta Reque-Dragicevic. shares her insights and compassion with you—be you a soldier returning from war, a family member, or a friend.
We are currently preparing the hardback version of this book that you will be able to hold in your hand to serve as a companion for you along the road coming home. For now, meet Britta, learn from her thoughts and observations in this e-book, and Welcome Home. Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War.
This is what Ron Kovic, author of Born on the 4th of July. and Around the World in Eight Days. has to say about Close to Home.
PTSD and Heart Disease. Remy Benoit
From Geisinger Health System Geisinger study: PTSD causes early death from heart disease.
Torture origins?. Remy Benoit
From Scott Shane at the NY Times China Inspired Interrogations at Guantánamo.
Missle Bases in Czech Republic. Remy Benoit
From Agence France Presse at Truthout US Draws Russian Fire, Signing Missile Defense Deal.
David Sirota: From Uprising to Movement: Five Ideas. Remy Benoit
At Campaign for America's Future, David Sirota From Uprising to Movement: Five Ideas.
Plan to Revamp War Powers Act of '73. Remy Benoit
From John M. Broder, The New York Times at Truthout Plan Offered to Revamp War Powers Act.
Privacy Right in Question as well as National Security. Remy Benoit
From Randall Mikkelsen, Reuters, at Yahoo News Bush signs spy bill and draws lawsuit.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout Interview with Representative Barbara Lee.
Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Remy Benoit
Over the last several months, I have had the privilege and honor of working closely with the members of the West Point Class of 1968.
Our work together has resulted in this unique preservation of the history of this War Class.
It is truly an heirloom volume.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present to you, Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
The price for orders received after July 30, 2008 will be $35.00 per copy* if any copies are available.
*A packing and shipping charge of an additional $10 per copy will apply for books not picked up by the purchaser at the 40th reunion.
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
About the Book. This extraordinary anthology contains selections authored by over 120 members of the class who share their thoughts and bare their souls. The vignettes range from whimsical recollections of cadet hijinks to weighty reflections on our times – on our service to the nation - on the painful loss of departed classmates, including our twenty friends who fell, all too young, in Vietnam—on Duty, Honor, Country.
Come through the sally port into Central Area of Barracks; report to the man in the red sash. Relive the travails of Plebe year. Savor the 1964 victory of the Army football team over a Navy team led by Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, and the first-ever Christmas leave for Plebes. Delight in the clandestine appropriation of Billy XV, the great Sugar Bowl incident, the dunking of the reveille cannon. Sorrow at the sad return of fallen comrades from earlier classes for interment in the West Point Cemetery. Feel the anxious anticipation of branch and first assignment selection and the extraordinary elation of graduation day. Sail your white hat far into a cloudless summer sky; take a solemn oath at a commissioning ceremony. Party hearty at classmate weddings and graduation leave. Train hard enroute to your first unit. Take a long plane ride ‘til you’re so far west you’re east. Hump ruck through the boonies. Know again the soaring elation and irrational guilt of survival. Mourn lost friends and comrades, celebrate their lives and honor their selfless service and sacrifice. These are the reflections waiting for you within the pages of this beautiful hardbound book—these and many, many more.
Don’t Delay! Order Online Today!
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.>
Failed hopes for resolution. Remy Benoit
From Karen De Young, The Washington Post, at MSNBC U.S., Iraq scale down negotiations over forces
Any long-term deal on extended presence will wait for next administration.
Marc Ash: An Open Letter to Senator Obama. Remy Benoit
At Truthout, Marc Ash Dear Senator Obama.
Senator Obama: Time to End the Iraq War. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times at Veterans for Common Sense Iraq War Op-Ed by Senator Obama: Time to End Iraq War.
Iraq "Surge"—Iran "Inspections". Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. 'surge' in Iraq ends; 150,000 troops remain
Up to 15,000 more American soldiers than before buildup still in the country.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News The High Cost of Bush's Iraq Gambit.
Also from the AP at MSNBC U.S. envoy to meet with Iran nuclear negotiator
Top diplomat will attend talks in Switzerland on Saturday, official says.
From Bill Moyers at Truthout Is the Fourth Estate a Fifth Column?.
Surge into Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Afghan Surge Could Start in Weeks.
From Peter Spiegel and M. Karim Faiez, The Los Angeles Times at Truthout US Prepares to Boost Its Afghan Forces.
Also at Truthout, Maya Schenwar Interview With Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich introduces another article of impeachment; this one, re: Iraq and reasons gives for pre-emptive war.
Ben Cohen and True Majority. Remy Benoit
Watch the video, re-stack the cookies, and maybe something good would happen! True Majority.
Fresh Fighters for Al Qaida in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Al-Qaida draws more foreigners to Afghan war
Fresh influx of jihadis from Turkey, Central Asia, Chechnya, Middle East.
Al Gore: Abandon Fossil Fuels by 2018. Remy Benoit
From David Stout, The New York Times, at Truthout Gore Calls for US to Use Renewable Energy by 2018.
Kucinich on Impeachment. Remy Benoit
From : Maya Schenwar, T r u t h o u t Interview With Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
Are you writing your story?. Remy Benoit
If you are writing your story and need help with developing it, with its editing, with its proofreading, you have come to the right place.
Join me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
U.S. to Iran: Cooperate or.... Remy Benoit
Pelosi, Moyers, and Winship. Remy Benoit
At Truthout:
From Lauri Kellman and the AP House Speaker Pelosi Calls Bush "a Total Failure".
From Bill Moyers and Michael Winship Mother's Milk of Politics Turns Sour.
Iran Given Two Weeks to Comply. Remy Benoit
From Julian Borger, The Observer, at Truthout Iran Given Two-Week Deadline to End the Nuclear Impasse.
Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Remy Benoit
Over the last several months, I have had the privilege and honor of working closely with the members of the West Point Class of 1968.
Our work together has resulted in this unique preservation of the history of this War Class.
It is truly an heirloom volume.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present to you, Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
The price for orders received after July 30, 2008 will be $35.00 per copy* if any copies are available.
*A packing and shipping charge of an additional $10 per copy will apply for books not picked up by the purchaser at the 40th reunion.
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
About the Book. This extraordinary anthology contains selections authored by over 120 members of the class who share their thoughts and bare their souls. The vignettes range from whimsical recollections of cadet hijinks to weighty reflections on our times – on our service to the nation - on the painful loss of departed classmates, including our twenty friends who fell, all too young, in Vietnam—on Duty, Honor, Country.
Come through the sally port into Central Area of Barracks; report to the man in the red sash. Relive the travails of Plebe year. Savor the 1964 victory of the Army football team over a Navy team led by Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, and the first-ever Christmas leave for Plebes. Delight in the clandestine appropriation of Billy XV, the great Sugar Bowl incident, the dunking of the reveille cannon. Sorrow at the sad return of fallen comrades from earlier classes for interment in the West Point Cemetery. Feel the anxious anticipation of branch and first assignment selection and the extraordinary elation of graduation day. Sail your white hat far into a cloudless summer sky; take a solemn oath at a commissioning ceremony. Party hearty at classmate weddings and graduation leave. Train hard enroute to your first unit. Take a long plane ride ‘til you’re so far west you’re east. Hump ruck through the boonies. Know again the soaring elation and irrational guilt of survival. Mourn lost friends and comrades, celebrate their lives and honor their selfless service and sacrifice. These are the reflections waiting for you within the pages of this beautiful hardbound book—these and many, many more.
Don’t Delay! Order Online Today!
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.>
Warfighters or Citizen Soldiers?. Remy Benoit
Some thoughts from LT.COL.William J. Astore (Retired USAF, TomDispatch, at Truthout Having the "Best Military" Is Not Always a Good Thing: Reclaiming Our Citizen-Soldier Heritage.
Obama and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iraqi backing of Obama plan irks White House
Says Baghdad may be using U.S. election as leverage in negotiations.
Senator Jim Webb: Time to Fight. Remy Benoit
Senator Webb has a new book and some ideas for your consideration in A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Fair and Just America.
How to avoid another Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout a review of Foreign Policy in Focus: On Iraq: Wiping Out the Legend—Miriam Pemberton, editor of "Lessons From Iraq: Avoiding the Next War".
Vote Vets. Remy Benoit
From Vote Vets Our New Ad on Timelines, McCain and Iraqi Freedom.
"America's Army". Remy Benoit
From Michael B. Reagan,Truthout US Military Recruits Children: "America's Army" Video Game Violates International Law.
Only 13% feel country headed in right direction. Remy Benoit
From Mark Murray at MSNBC NBC/WSJ Poll: Obama keeps lead over McCain
Voters see Democrat as riskier pick, but rival has negatives of his own.
So, what is the problem?
Is the President not listening to the People?
Is the Congress not listening to the People?
Are the PEOPLE not speaking up?
Is the MEDIA not reporting everything it should be? Is it in the hands of monied groups with their own agenda and not doing its job?
This whole endless campaign has been pretty pathetic. Real issues need to be addressed, and that will only be done if the PEOPLE make it so.
Senator Jim Webb has some ideas on that. A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Fair and Just America.
Do we need a lesson in Duty, Honor, Country? It is not just up to those from West Point to live with that code—it is up to all of us, but the Class of '68 can show you how it is done. Over the last several months, I have had the privilege and honor of working closely with the members of the West Point Class of 1968.
Our work together has resulted in this unique preservation of the history of this War Class.
It is truly an heirloom volume.
Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
The price for orders received after July 30, 2008 will be $35.00 per copy* if any copies are available.
*A packing and shipping charge of an additional $10 per copy will apply for books not picked up by the purchaser at the 40th reunion.
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Edited by Remy Benoit
About the Book. This extraordinary anthology contains selections authored by over 120 members of the class who share their thoughts and bare their souls. The vignettes range from whimsical recollections of cadet hijinks to weighty reflections on our times – on our service to the nation - on the painful loss of departed classmates, including our twenty friends who fell, all too young, in Vietnam—on Duty, Honor, Country. Come through the sally port into Central Area of Barracks; report to the man in the red sash. Relive the travails of Plebe year. Savor the 1964 victory of the Army football team over a Navy team led by Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, and the first-ever Christmas leave for Plebes. Delight in the clandestine appropriation of Billy XV, the great Sugar Bowl incident, the dunking of the reveille cannon. Sorrow at the sad return of fallen comrades from earlier classes for interment in the West Point Cemetery. Feel the anxious anticipation of branch and first assignment selection and the extraordinary elation of graduation day. Sail your white hat far into a cloudless summer sky; take a solemn oath at a commissioning ceremony. Party hearty at classmate weddings and graduation leave. Train hard enroute to your first unit. Take a long plane ride ‘til you’re so far west you’re east. Hump ruck through the boonies. Know again the soaring elation and irrational guilt of survival. Mourn lost friends and comrades, celebrate their lives and honor their selfless service and sacrifice. These are the reflections waiting for you within the pages of this beautiful hardbound book—these and many, many more.
Don’t Delay! Order Online Today!
Click Here to Order: Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.
Harold Moore and Joe Galloway—We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam. Remy Benoit
From Harold Moore and Joe Galloway, the book you have been waiting for We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.
McCain and Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Rick Maze, Army Times at Veterans for Common Sense July 23, VA Update: Senator McCain May Want to Narrow VA Access, VCS Responds.
Obama in Berlin. Remy Benoit
From Agence France-Presse at Truthout Obama Delivers Soaring Call for Unity in Berlin.
Military Transition Stories. Remy Benoit
From Military.com Real Transition Stories.
MIchael Winship: The Company We Keep. Remy Benoit
From Michael Winship at Truthout The Company We Keep.
Iran. Remy Benoit
From NBC News at MSNBC Ahmadinejad offers ‘positive’ response to U.S.
Moore and Galloway: We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam. Remy Benoit
From Harold Moore and Joe Galloway, the book you have been waiting for We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.
We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.
Afghanistan Fighting Increases. Remy Benoit
From Carlotta Gall, The New York Times, at Truthout As the Fighting Swells in Afghanistan, So Does a Refugee Camp in Its Capital.
Joe Galloway on Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: A top general says more troops aren't the answer in Afghanistan.
China Tells Bush to Mind Own Business . Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC China on Bush: Don't interfere in our affairs
Beijing rejects rights criticism shortly before president arrives for Games.
High School Military Testing. Remy Benoit
From Dan Hardy and Dylan Purcell, The Philadelphia Inquirer at Common Dreams Growing Hesitancy Over A Military Test.
Where is Al Gore?. Remy Benoit
That question from Brent Budowski at Consortium News Where's Al Gore?
What are we thinking to allow this?. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Michael Winship at Truthout A Novel Approach to Politics.
Bush Critical of China. Remy Benoit
While in some ways restricting freedoms at home, using signing notes to invalidate Congressional legislation, and possibly infringing on Constitutional guidelines, Bush speaks to China's restrictions on freedom.
From Michael Abramowitz and Edward Cody, the Washington Post, at MSNBC Bush sharpens public critique of China
President singles lack of freedoms, including religious expression.
Blackwater Contracts Under Scrutiny. Remy Benoit
From Elizabeth Olson, International Herald Tribune at Truthout Auditors Question Blackwater Contracts.
Georgia. Remy Benoit
From Ellen Barry and C.J. Chivers, The New York Times at Truthout Russia Briefly Allows Georgian Police Into Key City.
For those of you unfamiliar with the history of this Eurasian nation Georgia.
Georgia was the birthplace of StalinRUSstalin.htm">Stalin. in 1879
Many are unaware that his vicious bloody dictator, responsible for the death of millions of his own people, master of the "Personality Cult" of the dictator, at one time was a poet. This review of Rorbert Service's biography of Stain by By Andrew O'Hehir at Salon asks the "what if" question——if he had continued to write poetry might he not have become the Marxist murderer who even Lenin did not trust. The Human Monster.
To be aware of what life under Stalin was like in the Soviet Union, do read some of the works of the just departed Alexandr Solzhenitsyn. His work was originally published by the underground Samizdat.
Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world.
Your Words, Your Way. Remy Benoit
If you are writing a book, or if you really want to write one and have no idea where to start, please join me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
If you are a Veteran, my special rate applies to you!
War and Peace started with a single word; so will your book.
It is important that we preserve our history for future generations—writing your book, telling your story will enhance their lives.
So...Once upon a time.... Go ahead, finish the sentence and my guess is there will be lots of sentences to follow. You are on your way. I can help you, so please, visit with me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
Andrew Bacevich: The Limits of Power. Remy Benoit
Andrew Bacevich's new work is reviewed at Tom Dispatch, Tomgram: Andrew Bacevich, The Lessons of Endless War.
Andrew Basevich: America and the World. Remy Benoit
From Michael Winship at Truthout Andrew Bacevich: America and the World.
Should citizens have an input on foreign policy decisions since they will be the ones who have to live with those decisions? Should we actually teach real history so our citizenry is prepared to make those decisions from a rational rather than an uniformed position? We have much to think about as a nation if we want to preserve our Constitution and its promise. Inherent in that document is a balance of power that is being shifted way out of balance and that needs to be corrected, by us.
Demand real answers to real questions of the candidates and then hold them to their answers.
Women and War. Remy Benoit
From Science News Women And War: The Toll Of Deployment On Physical Health.
Who is really running your world?. Remy Benoit
Melissa Rossi answers your questions in What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running the World.
If you care about America..... Remy Benoit
You need to listen to the voice of Dr. Andrew Bacevich, Colonel, United States Army, Retired, a West Point graduate, and Professor at Boston University.
From PBS Bill Moyers Journal: An Imperial Presidency.
If you feel your Constitution is in peril; if you feel the Congress has given away enough of the Balance of Power to render itself impotent; if you feel the Democrats have not met the commitment they promised; if you long to see the label Made in America; if you are concerned with the strain on our troops; if you are concerned with troops getting more and more combat tours, this is the interview you need to hear, and act on.
You will find Dr. Bacevich's book here. The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism.
From The American Empire Project, Dr. Bacevich Is Perpetual War Our Future?
Learning the Wrong Lessons from the Bush Era.
The much maligned President Carter gave a warning about the current state of affairs back in 1979. Perhaps now if you read his words, his prescience will be appreciated. How is the candidate of your choice dealing with the root problems, not the glitz?
From President Carter:
Good evening.
This is a special night for me. Exactly 3 years ago, on July 15, 1976, I accepted the nomination of my party to run for President of the United States. I promised you a President who is not isolated from the people, who feels your pain, and who shares your dreams and who draws his strength and his wisdom from you.
During the past 3 years I've spoken to you on many occasions about national concerns, the energy crisis, reorganizing the Government, our Nation's economy, and issues of war and especially peace. But over those years the subjects of the speeches, the talks, and the press conferences have become increasingly narrow, focused more and more on what the isolated world of Washington thinks is important. Gradually, you've heard more and more about what the Government thinks or what the Government should be doing and less and less about our Nation's hopes, our dreams, and our vision of the future.
Ten days ago I had planned to speak to you again about a very important subject—energy. For the fifth time I would have described the urgency of the problem and laid out a series of legislative recommendations to the Congress. But as I was preparing to speak, I began to ask myself the same question that I now know has been troubling many of you. Why have we not been able to get together as a nation to resolve our serious energy problem?
It's clear that the true problems of our Nation are much deeper—deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation or recession. And I realize more than ever that as President I need your help. So, I decided to reach out and listen to the voices of America.
I invited to Camp David people from almost every segment of our society—business and labor, teachers and preachers, Governors, mayors, and private citizens. And then I left Camp David to listen to other Americans, men and women like you. It has been an extraordinary 10 days, and I want to share with you what I've heard.
First of all, I got a lot of personal advice. Let me quote a few of the typical comments that I wrote down.
This from a southern Governor: "Mr. President, you are not leading this Nation— you're just managing the Government."
"You don't see the people enough any more."
"Some of your Cabinet members don't seem loyal. There is not enough discipline among your disciples."
"Don't talk to us about politics or the mechanics of government, but about an understanding of our common good."
"Mr. President, we're in trouble. Talk to us about blood and sweat and tears."
"If you lead, Mr. President, we will follow."
Many people talked about themselves and about the condition of our Nation. This from a young woman in Pennsylvania: "I feel so far from government. I feel like ordinary people are excluded from political power."
And this from a young Chicano: "Some of us have suffered from recession all our lives."
"Some people have wasted energy, but others haven't had anything to waste."
And this from a religious leader: "No material shortage can touch the important things like God's love for us or our love for one another."
And I like this one particularly from a black woman who happens to be the mayor of a small Mississippi town: "The big-shots are not the only ones who are important. Remember, you can't sell anything on Wall Street unless someone digs it up somewhere else first."
This kind of summarized a lot of other statements: "Mr. President, we are confronted with a moral and a spiritual crisis."
Several of our discussions were on energy, and I have a notebook full of comments and advice. I'll read just a few.
"We can't go on consuming 40 percent more energy than we produce. When we import oil we are also importing inflation plus unemployment."
"We've got to use what we have. The Middle East has only 5 percent of the world's energy, but the United States has 24 percent."
And this is one of the most vivid statements: "Our neck is stretched over the fence and OPEC has a knife."
"There will be other cartels and other shortages. American wisdom and courage right now can set a path to follow in the future."
This was a good one: "Be bold, Mr. President. We may make mistakes, but we are ready to experiment."
And this one from a labor leader got to the heart of it: "The real issue is freedom. We must deal with the energy problem on a war footing."
And the last that I'll read: "When we enter the moral equivalent of war, Mr. President, don't issue us BB guns."
These 10 days confirmed my belief in the decency and the strength and the wisdom of the American people, but it also bore out some of my longstanding concerns about our Nation's underlying problems.
I know, of course, being President, that government actions and legislation can be very important. That's why I've worked hard to put my campaign promises into law—and I have to admit, with just mixed success. But after listening to the American people I have been reminded again that all the legislation in the world can't fix what's wrong with America. So, I want to speak to you first tonight about a subject even more serious than energy or inflation. I want to talk to you right now about a fundamental threat to American democracy.
I do not mean our political and civil liberties. They will endure. And I do not refer to the outward strength of America, a nation that is at peace tonight everywhere in the world, with unmatched economic power and military might.
The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our Nation.
The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America.
The confidence that we have always had as a people is not simply some romantic dream or a proverb in a dusty book that we read just on the Fourth of July. It is the idea which founded our Nation and has guided our development as a people. Confidence in the future has supported everything else—public institutions and private enterprise, our own families, and the very Constitution of the United States. Confidence has defined our course and has served as a link between generations. We've always believed in something called progress. We've always had a faith that the days of our children would be better than our own.
Our people are losing that faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our democracy. As a people we know our past and we are proud of it. Our progress has been part of the living history of America, even the world. We always believed that we were part of a great movement of humanity itself called democracy, involved in the search for freedom, and that belief has always strengthened us in our purpose. But just as we are losing our confidence in the future, we are also beginning to close the door on our past.
In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We've learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose.
The symptoms of this crisis of the American spirit are all around us. For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next 5 years will be worse than the past 5 years. Two-thirds of our people do not even vote. The productivity of American workers is actually dropping, and the willingness of Americans to save for the future has fallen below that of all other people in the Western world.
As you know, there is a growing disrespect for government and for churches and for schools, the news media, and other institutions. This is not a message of happiness or reassurance, but it is the truth and it is a warning.
These changes did not happen overnight. They've come upon us gradually over the last generation, years that were filled with shocks and tragedy.
We were sure that ours was a nation of the ballot, not the bullet, until the murders of John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. We were taught that our armies were always invincible and our causes were always just, only to suffer the agony of Vietnam. We respected the Presidency as a place of honor until the shock of Watergate.
We remember when the phrase "sound as a dollar" was an expression of absolute dependability, until 10 years of inflation began to shrink our dollar and our savings. We believed that our Nation's resources were limitless until 1973, when we had to face a growing dependence on foreign oil.
These wounds are still very deep. They have never been healed.
Looking for a way out of this crisis, our people have turned to the Federal Government and found it isolated from the mainstream of our Nation's life. Washington, D.C., has become an island. The gap between our citizens and our Government has never been so wide. The people are looking for honest answers, not easy answers; clear leadership, not false claims and evasiveness and politics as usual.
What you see too often in Washington and elsewhere around the country is a system of government that seems incapable of action. You see a Congress twisted and pulled in every direction by hundreds of well-financed and powerful special interests. You see every extreme position defended to the last vote, almost to the last breath by one unyielding group or another. You often see a balanced and a fair approach that demands sacrifice, a little sacrifice from everyone, abandoned like an orphan without support and without friends.
Often you see paralysis and stagnation and drift. You don't like it, and neither do I. What can we do?
First of all, we must face the truth, and then we can change our course. We simply must have faith in each other, faith in our ability to govern ourselves, and faith in the future of this Nation. Restoring that faith and that confidence to America is now the most important task we face. It is a true challenge of this generation of Americans.
One of the visitors to Camp David last week put it this way: "We've got to stop crying and start sweating, stop talking and start walking, stop cursing and start praying. The strength we need will not come from the White House, but from every house in America."
We know the strength of America. We are strong. We can regain our unity. We can regain our confidence. We are the heirs of generations who survived threats much more powerful and awesome than those that challenge us now. Our fathers and mothers were strong men and women who shaped a new society during the Great Depression, who fought world wars, and who carved out a new charter of peace for the world.
We ourselves are the same Americans who just 10 years ago put a man on the Moon. We are the generation that dedicated our society to the pursuit of human rights and equality. And we are the generation that will win the war on the energy problem and in that process rebuild the unity and confidence of America.
We are at a turning point in our history. There are two paths to choose. One is a path I've warned about tonight, the path that leads to fragmentation and self-interest. Down that road lies a mistaken idea of freedom, the right to grasp for ourselves some advantage over others. That path would be one of constant conflict between narrow interests ending in chaos and immobility. It is a certain route to failure.
All the traditions of our past, all the lessons of our heritage, all the promises of our future point to another path, the path of common purpose and the restoration of American values. That path leads to true freedom for our Nation and ourselves. We can take the first steps down that path as we begin to solve our energy problem.
Energy will be the immediate test of our ability to unite this Nation, and it can also be the standard around which we rally. On the battlefield of energy we can win for our Nation a new confidence, and we can seize control again of our common destiny.
In little more than two decades we've gone from a position of energy independence to one in which almost half the oil we use comes from foreign countries, at prices that are going through the roof. Our excessive dependence on OPEC has already taken a tremendous toll on our economy and our people. This is the direct cause of the long lines which have made millions of you spend aggravating hours waiting for gasoline. It's a cause of the increased inflation and unemployment that we now face. This intolerable dependence on foreign oil threatens our economic independence and the very security of our Nation.
The energy crisis is real. It is worldwide. It is a clear and present danger to our Nation. These are facts and we simply must face them:
What I have to say to you now about energy is simple and vitally important.
Point one: I am tonight setting a clear goal for the energy policy of the United States. Beginning this moment, this Nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977—never. From now on, every new addition to our demand for energy will be met from our own production and our own conservation. The generation-long growth in our dependence on foreign oil will be stopped dead in its tracks right now and then reversed as we move through the 1980's, for I am tonight setting the further goal of cutting our dependence on foreign oil by one-half by the end of the next decade—a saving of over 4 1/2 million barrels of imported oil per day.
Point two: To ensure that we meet these targets, I will use my Presidential authority to set import quotas. I'm announcing tonight that for 1979 and 1980, I will forbid the entry into this country of one drop of foreign oil more than these goals allow. These quotas will ensure a reduction in imports even below the ambitious levels we set at the recent Tokyo summit.
Point three: To give us energy security, I am asking for the most massive peacetime commitment of funds and resources in our Nation's history to develop America's own alternative sources of fuel—from coal, from oil shale, from plant products for gasohol, from unconventional gas, from the Sun.
I propose the creation of an energy security corporation to lead this effort to replace 2 1/2 million barrels of imported oil per day by 1990. The corporation will issue up to $5 billion in energy bonds, and I especially want them to be in small denominations so that average Americans can invest directly in America's energy security.
Just as a similar synthetic rubber corporation helped us win World War II, so will we mobilize American determination and ability to win the energy war. Moreover, I will soon submit legislation to Congress calling for the creation of this Nation's first solar bank, which will help us achieve the crucial goal of 20 percent of our energy coming from solar power by the year 2000.
These efforts will cost money, a lot of money, and that is why Congress must enact the windfall profits tax without delay. It will be money well spent. Unlike the billions of dollars that we ship to foreign countries to pay for foreign oil, these funds will be paid by Americans to Americans. These funds will go to fight, not to increase, inflation and unemployment.
Point four: I'm asking Congress to mandate, to require as a matter of law, that our Nation's utility companies cut their massive use of oil by 50 percent within the next decade and switch to other fuels, especially coal, our most abundant energy source.
Point five: To make absolutely certain that nothing stands in the way of achieving these goals, I will urge Congress to create an energy mobilization board which, like the War Production Board in World War II, will have the responsibility and authority to cut through the redtape, the delays, and the endless roadblocks to completing key energy projects.
We will protect our environment. But when this Nation critically needs a refinery or a pipeline, we will build it.
Point six: I'm proposing a bold conservation program to involve every State, county, and city and every average American in our energy battle. This effort will permit you to build conservation into your homes and your lives at a cost you can afford.
I ask Congress to give me authority for mandatory conservation and for standby gasoline rationing. To further conserve energy, I'm proposing tonight an extra $10 billion over the next decade to strengthen our public transportation systems. And I'm asking you for your good and for your Nation's security to take no unnecessary trips, to use carpools or public transportation whenever you can, to park your car one extra day per week, to obey the speed limit, and to set your thermostats to save fuel. Every act of energy conservation like this is more than just common sense—I tell you it is an act of patriotism.
Our Nation must be fair to the poorest among us, so we will increase aid to needy Americans to cope with rising energy prices. We often think of conservation only in terms of sacrifice. In fact, it is the most painless and immediate way of rebuilding our Nation's strength. Every gallon of oil each one of us saves is a new form of production. It gives us more freedom, more confidence, that much more control over our own lives.
So, the solution of our energy crisis can also help us to conquer the crisis of the spirit in our country. It can rekindle our sense of unity, our confidence in the future, and give our Nation and all of us individually a new sense of purpose.
You know we can do it. We have the natural resources. We have more oil in our shale alone than several Saudi Arabias. We have more coal than any nation on Earth. We have the world's highest level of technology. We have the most skilled work force, with innovative genius, and I firmly believe that we have the national will to win this war.
I do not promise you that this struggle for freedom will be easy. I do not promise a quick way out of our Nation's problems, when the truth is that the only way out is an all-out effort. What I do promise you is that I will lead our fight, and I will enforce fairness in our struggle, and I will ensure honesty. And above all, I will act.
We can manage the short-term shortages more effectively and we will, but there are no short-term solutions to our long-range problems. There is simply no way to avoid sacrifice.
Twelve hours from now I will speak again in Kansas City, to expand and to explain further our energy program. Just as the search for solutions to our energy shortages has now led us to a new awareness of our Nation's deeper problems, so our willingness to work for those solutions in energy can strengthen us to attack those deeper problems.
I will continue to travel this country, to hear the people of America. You can help me to develop a national agenda for the 1980s. I will listen and I will act. We will act together. These were the promises I made 3 years ago, and I intend to keep them.
Little by little we can and we must rebuild our confidence. We can spend until we empty our treasuries, and we may summon all the wonders of science. But we can succeed only if we tap our greatest resources—America's people, America's values, and America's confidence.
I have seen the strength of America in the inexhaustible resources of our people. In the days to come, let us renew that strength in the struggle for an energy secure nation.
In closing, let me say this: I will do my best, but I will not do it alone. Let your voice be heard. Whenever you have a chance, say something good about our country. With God's help and for the sake of our Nation, it is time for us to join hands in America. Let us commit ourselves together to a rebirth of the American spirit. Working together with our common faith we cannot fail.
Thank you and good night.
___
What price are you willing to leave to your children and grandchildren and theirs to pay?
Write it out..... Remy Benoit
Writing is a way of finding self—
The only way to do it is word by word.
Perhaps you could start here:
The day did not turn out quite as I expected...
The heat was a living thing, devouring me...
She/He took my breath away with the way....
The jungle breathed...
The desert ate....
If you need help, that is what I am here for. Join me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
Take a Stand and Help Veterans VOTE. Remy Benoit
From Susan Bysiewicz, the New York Times at Congress.org Help Our Veterans Vote.
Allow Voter Registration Drives in VA Hospitals and Facilities
SHOULD THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) ALLOW VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES IN VETERAN'S AFFAIRS RUN HOSPITALS?
"Nuclear fire". Remy Benoit
From Steve Weissman at Truthout McCain's War: Playing With Nuclear Fire.
Joe Galloway: A Sad Week for Georgia.... Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at the McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: A sad week for Georgia, America and the world.
And the long awaited sequel to We Were Soldiers Once is now available We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.
Chris Hedges on Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Chris Hedges, TruthDig, at Common Dreams Pouring Gas on the Afghanistan Bonfire.
It is time to Take Back America. Remy Benoit
I have watched for 8 years the continual lack of judgment, leadership, Balance of Power, and truth that have been undermining all that I consider this country to be.
I have watched this country led without any concern for "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind," or, indeed, Americans themselves.
After 8 disastrous years under President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, and their cohorts, it is time to take back our country; to support our Constitution and its Bill of Rights; to put an end to the idea of eternal war; to show respect for the opinion, of not only other nations but of Americans themselves.
It is time to manufacture again in this country—to see the label that reads Made in America.
It is time to put Americans to work and to create jobs at home.
It is time to show respect for the rule of law and for our Constitution.It is time to develop alternative energy sources, and to stop allowing unrestricted and immoral financial speculation with the future of our country.
It is time for some real leadership. With these thoughts, and many others in mind, I join with Senator Clinton and endorse Barack Obama as the viable candidate for the Presidency.
From Senator Clinton: HILLARY: 'NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN.'
When someone espouses continual war and has a voting record that shows non-support of our Veterans, something is wrong; thus, I join Hillary, NO MCCAIN.
From the AP at MSNBC Virginia's Warner: Party must seize opportunity
Speaking John McCain's name only twice, he focused on his own party.
Governor Schweitzer of Montana. Remy Benoit
At You Tube Governor Schweitzer Endorses Barack Obama.
AL Gore at Democratic Convention. Remy Benoit
FromYou Tube Al Gore Endorses Barack Obama.
Barack Obama: "We are better than these last eight years...". Remy Benoit
At MSNBC 'We are better than these last eight years'.
Clean Energy. Remy Benoit
Less dependence on foreign oil means less wars; less loss of lives for all.
From the Union of Concerned Scientists Clean Energy.
We demand this. Drilling is a short term non-solution to an overall continuing problem. Your voice is needed; your actions are needed. It is your government—tell it what you want and demand it for yourselves, for your children, for your grandchildren. It is your country—not that of big oil and huge profits, and huge tax breaks. Wake up, America and stand up.
Your voice, and only our collective voices will bring back tool and die makers; will bring back "Made in the USA" labels on your clothes, your cars, and everything else. If we do not manufacture, we cannot grow; we cannot thrive. If you do not even know what a tool and die maker is, visit with the US Dept. of Labor Tool and Die Makers. If you study history, you know that during WWII many of our factories converted to war production. If you do not have factories, you simply cannot convert should the need arise. Think about that and go and study some. Lend Lease Act, 11 March 1941. at the Naval Historical Center.
It is a tense day here in Louisiana, waiting to see what Gustav is going to do. If you think that New Orleans doesn't matter, consider it is the Gateway to the Mississippi and the country. And then, do study some more here at the US Army Infantry Homepage: Higgins Boats: The Boats That Won WWII.
Naational DDAy Museum: Higgins Plant.
For those of us all along the Gulf Coast—keep praying for the best and preparing for the worst.
Yes, we can do it! And, we will.
You just might have noted somewhere along the line that AMERICAN ends in I CAN.
WE CAN—WHEN WE REMEMBER THAT WE ARE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE AND PULL TOGETHER.
God Bless.
Some truth from Levees.org. Remy Benoit
The Katrina Myth; the truth about a thoroughly unnatural disaster.
Gustav. Remy Benoit
Living here in Southeast Louisiana, we are battening down, watching the possibilities for landfall for this nasty hurricane. The southern most parishes are being evacuated, but we are not in an evacuation area. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of power outages, as we well know from riding out Katrina here.
If that should occur, I will get a message to post here through a friend as to what is happening here ASAP.
Our prayers are with all on the Gulf Coast and we ask for yours for everyone concerned.
A major hurricane is not something to be taken lightly. If you are in a flood zone do evacuate. Contraflow will go into effect as soon as necessary, so be aware that once you start out you cannot go back. Take your meds with you, your ID papers, your homeowners' policies, and your pets. Shelters for pets will demand cages. Fill your gas tank! It is advised that with the currect path predictions that you go to places other than Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Alexandria as they may have substantial wind and rain. BUT be aware that the real path of Gustave may go anywhere from Florida to Texas or even south of Texas, so going to "beach" areas along the Gulf is inadvisable. Best bet is heading north, welll north away from the projected path of the storm.
If you are staying home, it is YOUR repsonsibility to prepare with water, food, generators, flash lights, medicines, first aid kits, etc. Prepare a place for your pets.
If you went through Katrina you should be well aware how long it takes for help to come. Out here in the country after Katrina, it was neighbor helping neighbor. At NO time did we EVER see one "official" come to check on us. So if you are staying, accept personal responsibility for your own welfare. And do keep in mind that if power is out post-storm credit cards, debit cards will be useless. You will need to have cash for purchases.
Be safe, go with God.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Is Palin Qualified to be "a heartbeat away"?. Remy Benoit
From David Mark, Fred Barbash, Yahoo News at Veterans for Common Sense Presidential Scholars Question Governor Palin's Credentials to be Vice President.
Power!. Remy Benoit
Hey there,
We got power yesterday, cable today, and still without phones. Those south of us are in a bad way and some will not have power for a month.
Please, no IKE!
Love to all, unscrambling my brain,
Remy
No Task Too Great!. Remy Benoit
I am sitting just having watched the weather forecast for Ike and what I saw unnerved me. No, "they" don't know exactly where this particular hurricane is going, but "they" do have it aimed at us again. I could say that life just couldn't be that cruel, but we all know it sometimes can be.
My phones are still down; those is parishes south of us have been told a month before their services like electric are restored. They are permitted to go see what is left of their homes, and then, they must leave before 6PM a time when they should be settling into supper and an evening to rest from the labors of the day.
But the thought occurred to me through my rattled nerves and crunching stomach that there is so much in life that does not have to be so cruel. One of the Vets I have come to know said to me once that the world is so beautiful—why can we not see that and work harder for what is good, positive, uplifting, and grace filled. We seem to see out the dark side as though it had something to give us besides destruction and death. Is it that we think we see something there that will give us more; lead us to a more powerful place; better help us fulfill the purpose of our lives?
Ah, but we too easily blame “them” whoever they may be for “making us” choose such a path without ever looking backward to see what it is that we have done, what was done in our names, that led to where things are. Nor, do they look to what horrors that will cause somewhat further, often just a bit further, down the line.
We speak as though we know the only path; the right path; the only acceptable path, but do we?
If one thinks of the vast multitude of life forms, of their respective life ways of being and surviving, perhaps we might note that there are many ways to life, to build, to grow on this planet, in this universe.
Can we change, indeed, stop the path of a hurricane? No, not yet at least, but we can change our own destructive ways, attitudes, and actions so we do not bring the hurricanes of war to level lives.
Just something to think about as Hanna churns up the East Coast and Ike does whatever he is doing.
On a personal note, to the men of the West Point Class of ‘68 who are enjoying their 40th Reunion celebration this weekend, it has been a great honor and a pleasure to work with you as your editor. I do so hope you are pleased with your memory book—Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Do please let me know how you like it.
Both BG and I so wish we were there with you, but although we are here doing what needs doing after Gustav, and perhaps before Ike, we are still gripping hands with all of you. May God Bless you and your families, and indeed, thank you for your continual and exemplary devotion to your oath of Duty, Honor, Country. No Task Too Great for ‘68!
Bush Administration Timeline. Remy Benoit
From Nick Baumann and Dave Gilson at Mother Jones Bush's Reign of Error: A Timeline.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
There is a weakness in foreign policy and it is not only a problem of the U.S. but of most countries. It is a weak link that is easily fortified because it simply calls for understanding of, knowledge of other countries with whom we interact.
Let me point out the absurdity of how we deal with things. Although I am fully certified to teach history in two other states, to do so here I would need to apply, be tested, and show not only proficiency in my field but also in math for which I have no use in a history classroom. These requirements stand despite multiple degrees and decades of experience from 7th to college class teaching. But to be an ambassador to another country, I would not have to show any knowledge of its language, history, nor culture. What is wrong with that thinking, or lack of thinking?
We faced this problem in Vietnam, we face it in Iraq, we face it in Afghanistan. Indeed, we face it in many places and do nothing to learn from it.
From Kathy Gannon of the AP at Common Dreams Afghans Fed Up With Government, US.
Troop Levels in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush to maintain Iraq troop levels until 2009
Up to 8,000 U.S. military personnel are scheduled to leave by February.
Andrew Bacevich: 9/11 Plus Seven. Remy Benoit
From Andrew Bacevich, Tom Dispatch, at Truthout 9/11 Plus Seven.
The 4th Estate. Remy Benoit
The function of the press is to provide news, real news, not celebrity misadventures, half news. Investigative journalism keeps democracy alive by informing voters. With more and more centralized control of the media in fewer and fewer hands, more and more real news is lost; more propaganda is fed to the public.
With those thoughts in mind, join Norman Solomon at Truthout The Sickening Praise for "The Daily Show".
The View from the UK Re: Ms. Palin. Remy Benoit
From Ian Bell at the Sunday Herald, UK at Common Dreams A letter to America: You Cannot be Serious.
Sometims it takes someone removed from the picture to make us look at what we are doing. In a campaign that has been constantly critical of Obama's lack of experience, this is who is chosen to be the proverbial heartbeat away?
Again, as Americans we must demand stands on issues—peace work, negotiation, rather than endless war. Has anyone asked the candidates what our objectives are in Afghanistan, let alone how we intend to achieve them—and at what cost to us and to the people of Afghanistan? Or are we content to accept that "we must be there for as long as it takes." Takes to do, to achieve, what?
Without a goal there is no end in sight.
Have we asked who is making the decisions on those questions, or if they have the in depth knowledge and insight to make them properly?
Have we asked how many of our young it will take for how long?
Have we asked where Osama is, or if anyone is looking for him?
Have we asked about unemployment, a declining infrastructure, health insurance, and a hundred other things or are we content to sit back and watch and listen to hype and tripe?
Have we asked ourselves how much our Constitution means to us, or are we willing to allow a blatant mixture of church and state? Have we studied historically the problems that can and does bring?
Have we asked ourselves are these people our best and brightest—the best we can offer ourselves and the world? Would you allow them to babysit your children, because if you haven't caught on yet, you are putting your children, your grandchildren, and yourselves in their hands. How comfortable are you with that?
If that makes you uncomfortable, well, now is the time to get off the couch and ask the questions—and demand the answers.
"Live from New York.... Remy Benoit
It's Saturday Night." Palin—Hillary.
Shouldn't those who fight for freedom be able to vote in a VA Facility?. Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Testimony in Favor of S 3308, 'Veteran Voting Support Act'.
Frank Rich: The Palin-Whatshisname Ticket. Remy Benoit
From Frank Rich, the New York Times at Veterans for Common Sense The Palin-Whatshisname Ticket.
Also, from Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation The Unbearable Lightness of Election 2008.
And from Ari Berman also at The Nation Media Breaks Up With McCain.
Constitution Day. Remy Benoit
From John Nichols at Common Dreams Constitution in Crisis, Candidates in Denial.
1 Million Doors for Peace. Remy Benoit
From Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation A Million Doors Open for Peace.
This is an interesting grass roots notion and I do like grass roots politics—but Afghasnistan is clearly missing in this endeavor. Also, educatiohn of the public, without the news hype, of why we are at war in these two places; education about the cultures of these two places; education about our expectations about our role in these two places would go far in having voters demand answers of candidates.
They all just keep saying Afghanistan is so important, but if you note, they never say why, nor what our actual intentins there are.
Stop accpeting hype—demand truth and war by lie just might stop.
Bill Moyers and Michael Winship. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Moguls Steal Home While Companies Strike Out.
Ann WoolnerA: Sue Them, Jail Them. Remy Benoit
From Ann Woolner at Bloomberg Sue Them, Jail Them, Make Them Pay for Meltdown: Ann Woolner.
What if...?. Remy Benoit
What if we finally got it that we are all truly connected?
What if we finally got it that what we do, each and everyone of us, matters—truly matters?
For some answers to those questions, please join Gregg Braden in this interview with Tara Radio. Gregg Braden.
Veterans of Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Dr. Phil Leveque, Salem-News (Oregon)at Veterans for Common Sense VCS in the News: PTSD, VA Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.
What kind of nation does not care for its Veterans? We cannot allow ourselves to be that kind of nation. We just can't.
Check your favorite candidate's record on Vet votes and let that help you make a decision.
"Thanks Hank". Remy Benoit
At You Tube Thanks Hank.
Send your bills to Secretary Paulson while you are waiting to see if there is a debate tonight.
I suppose that all of us who live in Louisiana can claim to be foreign policy experts as we have the great port of New Orleans here and travelers from around the world.
I am watching the news. Did someone bring Laugh In. back to television as that can be the only reason we are watching this unfolding insanity. Can one imagine making a presidential run and using politics to play with peoples' heads, and future?
Who is your presidential match?. Remy Benoit
From ABC News a quick questionaire to see who is your candidate Election 2008.
Pickens Plan. Remy Benoit
If you are interested in national energy independence, this is a site you should visit, and you will have an opportunity to inform your representatives and senators about your concerns.
Keep in mind that energy independence will be reflected in our foreign affairs and could mean less war. Support your soldiers with less chance of their blood for oil.
McCain and Veterans. Remy Benoit
From John Dougherty, the Washington Independent Veterans Groups Question McCain Voting Record Part 2: GOP Hopeful's Record on Vet Benefits Contradicts Stump Rhetoric.
Pickens Plan. Remy Benoit
Pickens Plan for Energy Independence at You Tube!
Pickens Plan for Energy Independence.
For those of you celebrating this holy day, Rosh Hashanah, a blessed New Year.
Ray McGovern to Joe Biden. Remy Benoit
Congress, they tell us, is working hard to resolve the current financial SNAFU, and yes, that term is appropriate. Congress should have been working hard all along and this would not have happened.
Had the intelligence been listened to, perhaps 9/11 would not have happened.
In both situations, warning bells were CLANGING loud and clear, and no one was paying attention.
We are still not getting real answers to real questions. We still are getting a world of "buck passing" as to reponsibility for Iraq, for the financial crisis, for a lack of Veteran care, for the lack of a national health plan, for the inability of middle class America, let alone the less financially well off, to "make it."
The financial crisis is real. Iraq and its plagued war are real and even though all the evidence was not real, the war goes on with surges and talking, and endless talking and money spending and military lives stretched to the breaking point. If your pot roast is burning, do you turn up the heat? Our crumbling eduational system, our crumbling infra-structure are real. Possible confrontation is real in Iraq, alhough Jon Stewart is a big hit in Tehran; although Bush will soon leave office and Ahmadinejad will be challenged for his position in June. Afghanistan is real and the situation is worsening each day. And yet, any yet, no one accepts responsibility for any of this. Ray McGovern's letter to Joe Biden is up close and personal, but it could be directed to all of us, private citizen, Congressman and Senator who is not doing his or her job; the White House, Blackwater and others of its ilk, etc., etc. The truth of all of this is smacking us in the face but it is okay to extend service periods of soldiers; it is okay to ill supply them; it was okay to use pre-emptive war that violates our basic laws. It is okay for a candidate with a very poor pro-veteran voting record to keep saying he loves them. Some of us are "monitoring" that!
Americans are still asking Who is Obama?" Perhaps we need an FDR fireside chat with this candidate when he sits down, stops speeches, and tells us from gut level who he really is, what he really wants from himself, and from us.
Americans have not stepped up until this crisis smacked them in the wallet and shame on them for that.
Read McGovern's letter and ask yourself if it applies to you, to your Representatives, to your President. Demand answers from the candidates, real answers not that you are an expert in foreign affairs because Putin's plane flies over your head. Indeed, how very much seems to be over the head of this vice-presidential candidate. Real answers, not we were misled re: Iraq—how much effort went into truth finding before bandwagoning and bomb dropping?
These are the days of resolution, not just because of the Jewish holiday, but because we have mucked up so much that we need, each and everyone one of us to pitch in and clean up the "Augean stables" even if it is a Heculean effort. The future of our country depends on it.
How about some non-paid public service for those whose golden parachutes meant more to them than their country? Or even, something more to the point of punishment of this crime, for indeed, it is a crime, a series of crimes against this country, and, indeed, much of the world.
From Ray McGovern at Consortium News To Joe Biden: Time for Confession.
Paul M. Rodriguez: The Ruricolist. Remy Benoit
It is my privilege to bring to your attention the work of Paul M. Rodriguez at The Ruricolist.
The word ruricolist refers to someone who lives in the country.
Each Tuesday you will find an amusing "non-definition" of familiar words or terms. Each Friday Mr. Rodriguez graces us with an essay celebrating the 18th century form of that writing style.
And now, for a limited time, you may acquire the first full year of his essays in book form at
The Ruricolist.
Do visit with Paul—he will challenge your thinking, expand your horizons, and often bring you humorous insights into the workings of the world.
McCain and Vets. Remy Benoit
From Brandon Friedman at the Huffington Post McCain's Non-Support for Troops and Veterans: The Master List.
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III: Reality is No Rehearsal. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Reality Is No Rehearsal.
A Different View of the Bailout. Remy Benoit
From Aly Van Dyke at Mother Earth News A New Way of Looking At the Bailout.
Also take a look at the Pickens Plan.
Lots of talk last night on both sides in glittering generalities but nothing specific on caring for our Veterans or our planet. Demand answers!
IAVA: Top Ten Veteran Issues. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA Top Ten Actions for the Next President.
One Man Takes a Stand. Remy Benoit
As I sit here watching the hysteria of the market and the campaign, I feel like I am drowning in negativity. Real issues, with real answers, are being avoided in the campaign with all the name calling and doubt casting based on air. We should be aware at the stock market level at how much power we are giving to how few.
In Cook County, one sheriff has taken a stand. From Azam Ahmed and Ofelia Casillas, The Chicago Tribune, at Truthout Cook County Sheriff: I Will Stop Enforcing Evictions.
What if as citizens we took a stand? What if we each bought a share or two of stock and reminded the powers to be that this is our country, not their financial playground? What if we issued a resounding no to golden parachutes with the power of our ever shrinking dollars? What if we demanded the Made in the USA stickers on our purchases?
Have you thought about it? Going into WWII we converted industry to deal with the demands of the war. What would we convert today?
What if we demanded green power, energy independence? What if we said we are not impressed with 24 mph, but want 50-60mph? Supply follows demand, and our demands have been puny.
What if we say to the candidates, stop the dirty politics and address the issues or we won't listen because you are not listening to us?
What if we demanded care of the Veterans we so casually make?
What if we stood up and said We are Americans, and we can do what needs to be done from Vet care, to health care, to ending pork, to corporate and bank regulations, to credit regulations, to maintaining our infrastructure, to building American industry, to education, to green policies? Wouldn't the politicos then have to follow us, instead of us being led around like sheep?
Every other time we were in trouble we have stood up as a nation. I believe that we can do that again. And we need to do that today.
Shelters and Soup Kitchens. Remy Benoit
From Heike Barkawitz, Inter Press Service, at Truthout Shelters and Soup Kitchens Hold Crisis Front Lines.
Market revives. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Wall Street stages huge rally after bank aid
Market finding some footing after eight sessions of massive losses.
John Cory: The Moment. Remy Benoit
John Cory at Truthout The Moment.
Well said, John!
GI Bill I and VA. Remy Benoit
From Military.com VA Decides Against Outsourcing GI Bill.
Endorsement of CIA Tactics. Remy Benoit
From Joby Warrick, The Washington Post, at MSNBC CIA tactics endorsed in secret memos
Waterboarding got nod from White House.
And a brief comment from Keith Olbermann Olbermann: McCain, suspend your campaign The GOP ticket is inciting supporters to violence against Barack Obama.
Violence in words or actions feeds on itself, grows and becomes destructive of both the intended victim and the perpetrator. It is negative action, feeding, enhancing negative results for all concerned. It is reactive rather than proactive, a defense when feeling threatened that weakens those who walk its path. Something to think about this morning.
McCain and Planes. Remy Benoit
From Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain McCain Lost 5 U.S. Navy Aircraft.
Veteran Friendly Legislation. Remy Benoit
From Libby Creagh, Development Director, Veterans for Common Sense Congress Takes Bold Leadership.
Military Domestic Violence. Remy Benoit
From Ann Wright at Truthout Military Town Newspaper Challenges US Military on Murder of Military Women.
Powell Endorses Obama. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Colin Powell Endorses Obama.
Blackwater: One of the things not being discussed in the campaigns. Remy Benoit
From You Tube and Jeremy Schaill Blackwater.
What place, if any, do private armies have in our lives? What is theit potential? Something to think about this morning. It would be good to ask the candidates about their stand on this. Do we really want this in our cities, even during something like Katrina? Who draws what lines on their authority?
Chris Hedges: The Idiots Who Rule America. Remy Benoit
This is a very powerful commentary at TruthDig by Chris Hedges which provides some food for thought.
The Idiots Who Rule America. It is a strong indictment of the attitudes and practices of those who make the decisions that impact in every aspect of our lives. Your comments are welcome.
A Message from Ron Howard. Remy Benoit
With all the negativity and accusations in the air, thanks to Ron Howard for taking a civil and truly courteous stand for his position. At The Huffington Post and You Tube Ron Howard, Actor, Director.
NY Times Endorses Obama. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Barack Obama for President.
It is almost time to vote. It is our responsibility to vote. If we send our soldiers out to protect our way of life, then we must defend it too at the polls.
Military Helmets and Brain Damage. Remy Benoit
From VSL-Science Skull Flexure From Blast Waves. For full article, please click on Read this article at the bottom of the summary.
Edison: Boston Trolley 1903. Remy Benoit
Was life slower back then? Visit with Thomas Edison at You Tube Boston Trolley 1903.
And while we are strolling Down History Lane at You Tube America in WWI.
Remember the Three Little Pigs? Well, they are there at You Tube too in a WWII Propaganda Cartoon The Three Little Pigs—American War Propaganda.
Tony Hillerman Passes. Remy Benoit
Thank you, Mr. Hillerman, for many hours of reading your wonderful storytelling. From the AP at MSNBC Acclaimed author Tony Hillerman dies at 83 Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee among his creations.
McCain/Obama:Military Force. Remy Benoit
From Robert G. Kaiser at The Washington Post Iraq Aside, Nominees Have Like Views on Use of Force.
Dr. Bacevich is a West Point graduate and very concerned with the welfare of our country. Do take the time to read his blogs!
Views of our relection from UK. Remy Benoit
From Jason Cumming at MSNBC Election Hits Home Near U.S. Base in Britain.
Barack Obama: We are the UNITED STATES. Remy Benoit
When I was growing up, we were Red, White, and Blue. We were not Red and Blue. Obama tonight asked us to remember that.
Listening to his closing I had a flashback to other speeches a long, long time ago—speeches about what you could do for your country—speeches about having a dream.
Interesingly, it was announced today that we might have to send 20,000 more, rather than 10,000 more into Afghanistan. We have also heard that "20,000 more" before. This time perhaps we need to remember that we need a feasible plan so we don't just keep uping those numbers without a workable plan.
Veterans Radio. Remy Benoit
Who will get your vote?
For some positions on both candidates, Saturday, November 1, go to Veterans Radio for Who Will Get Your Vote For President?
Undecided? Join host Gary Lillie and guests on the Veterans Radio Presidential Election Special and hear who should get the veteran vote.
"Takin' It Back With Barack, Jack". Remy Benoit
Enjoy! Takin' It Back With Barack, Jack.
Happy Halloween!. Remy Benoit
PTSD. Remy Benoit
From the National Alliance on Mental Illness a new brochure on PTSD. PTSD Brochure.
John W. Dean:The Evidence Establishes, Without Question, That Republican Rule Is Dangerous. Remy Benoit
From John W. Dean at Find Law The Evidence Establishes, without Question, that Republican Rule Is Dangerous: Why It Is High Time to Fix This Situation, For the Good of the Nation.
Glenn Greenwald: The Single Worst Expression in American Politics. Remy Benoit
From Glenn Greenwald, Salon, at Common Dreams The Single Worst Expression in American Politics.
Vacations for Veterans. Remy Benoit
Do check this one out and please pass the word around.
While our troops are on the front lines.... Remy Benoit
it is your duty to honor them and your country to protect democracy by getting out there to VOTE!
Today's the day—don't complain tomorrow if you didn't get out to VOTE today.
John Cory: Dreams and Votes. Remy Benoit
From John Cory. at Truthout Dreams and Votes.
"This is your victory.". Remy Benoit
At CNN, President Elect Barack Obama This is your victory.
What is done with this is up to all of us. May we be proactive rather than reactive.
From the IAVA to President Elect Obama. Remy Benoit
A Memo to President-Elect Obama from America’s New Veterans.
The Road Ahead. Remy Benoit
The President-elect, Barack Obama, has established this website to inform as to policies that will be coming. There will be a press conference today, around 2ET, to discuss financial meeting that is taking place now.
Change.
Also on the political front, Jim Martin, a Vietnam Veteran, is in a run-off with his opponent, Saxby Chambliss, who you may remember when he ran against Max Cleland. At the Washington Post, Mary McGrory from 6/20/2002 Dirty-Bomb Politics.
Jonathan Mahler: After the Imperial Presidency-Restoring the Constitution. Remy Benoit
Jonathan Mahler, The New York Times, at Truthout After the Imperial Presidency.
Bob Herbert: Take a Bow, America. Remy Benoit
From Bob Herbert, New York Times, at Common Dreams Take a Bow, America.
Secretary Peake: A Veterans Day Message. Remy Benoit
From VA Secretary Peake at Veterans for Common Sense we have a Veterans Day Message.
While this is a "glowing message" the reality is not so glowing. 152 days to do a claim—almost 6 months?
Facilities are still not all they should be, nor is the reality of what compensation Veterans get all it should be.
Read between the lines and ask the President-elect to fix this as a top priority.
Secretary Peake: A Veterans Day Message to America.
Joe Galloway: They've squandered lives, fortunes, and our sacred honor. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press They've squandered lives, fortunes, and our sacred honor.
Homeless Female Veterans. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC More homeless female veterans seek shelter
Housing falling far short of demand, social-services advocates say.
Jim Furr (CPT RA West Point Class of '68): Rededication. Remy Benoit
It is my privilege to share this message with you for Veterans Day from Jim Furr (CPT RA, West Point Class of '68).
NO TASK TOO GREAT FOR '68! and truly, after working with Captain Furr and his classmates for seven months to bring you Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968, I know that motto is well deserved.
To all of you who are serving and who have served our country, our gratitude and our prayers.
Tom Margrave asked that I offer this morning a few thoughts on the subject of rededication, which I am happy to do because I think it is important.
It was to elicit rededication, you will recall, that President Lincoln devoted his famous Gettysburg Address. On that occasion the president noted that, bottom line, the Civil War was about whether a nation conceived on the proposition that all men are created equal could endure. Thousands of young men had died there at Gettysburg to preserve the integrity of that nation. In the wake of their sacrifice, Lincoln exhorted his listeners to rededicate themselves to the great task remaining before them of persevering through to victory in that war. He called on the nation to honor the memory of those who gave their lives so that America might live, by recommitting themselves to make their lives count, as the many had so recently and so nobly done.
Rededication was also the subject of thoughts expressed by President Ronald Reagan on 6 June 1984. On that 40th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, the president spoke at a memorial service above the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc. Assembled on that windswept promontory in poignant tribute to their own fallen comrades were former Rangers whose D-Day objective was to seize the ground where they were now gathered. Mr. Reagan's comments on that solemn occasion included the following remarks:
"At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June, 1944, 225 Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult of the invasion: to climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns.
“After two days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.
"Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? We look at you and somehow we know the answer. You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it is the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”
Concluding, Reagan urged a grateful nation, heartened by the valor of those undaunted Rangers, to "continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died." Here again, a call for the living to honor the memory of the fallen through a rededication to do the very best with our lives.
I am reminded of the opening scene from Stephen Spielberg’s magnificent film Saving Pvt Ryan where James Ryan, a WWII veteran, and his family visit the American cemetery in Normandy. You remember. Ryan, an old man now, overwhelmed by emotion, collapses to his knees in front of the cross marking the grave of Captain John Miller.
Decades earlier, in June 1944, after fighting their way across Omaha Beach on D-Day, breaking the first line of German defense, Miller and a squad of seven men were ordered to find paratrooper James Ryan and bring him home--alive. Ryan’s three brothers had recently been killed in action, and Gen George Marshall thought that three sons were enough for any mother to contribute to the war.
In rescuing Ryan, five of Miller’s men were killed and finally the captain himself was mortally wounded. Ryan watched as Miller struggled in his last moments, shot through one lung. The captain would not take another breath, except to grunt, “James. Earn this…earn it.”
Ryan has never forgotten Miller’s dying charge. It is this that has drawn the aged man to the gravesite of his dead commander. He has tried to live a good life, and he hopes he has. At least in the captain’s eyes he hopes he’s “earned it,” that his life has been worthy of the sacrifice so many made of giving their lives for his.
As Ryan turns these thoughts over in his mind, his wife appears at his side. Suddenly, looking at her he pleads, “Tell me I’ve led a good life, that I’m a good man.”
The request flusters her, but his earnestness makes her think better of putting it off. With great dignity, she says, “You are.”
She turns back to the other family members who have been waiting some distance away. Their stirring says they are ready to leave.
Before James Ryan joins them, he comes to attention and salutes his fallen comrade.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Reagan’s remarks at Pointe du Hoc, and Saving Pvt Ryan share a common theme. They entreat us to rededicate ourselves to making our lives count, to doing good, drawing on the example of those who have lived and died with honor.
I find it noteworthy that Israel’s King Solomon added another dimension to this concept of rededication. Recognized by history as one of the wisest of men, Solomon writes this in the Old Testament: “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.”
Solomon asserts that a funeral, or in our case today a memorial service, is a better place to be than a party. Why? The awareness of the passing of others tends to rivet our attention on our own mortality and on the fact that we do not have forever to make our life count. “You should take this to heart,” Solomon implores. Later, he explains why doing well with our lives is imperative.
“There will be a day,” he writes, “when God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Solomon is anxious for us to recognize that when it comes to the choices we make in life, much hangs in the balance because God notices and assesses all, including the things we tend to disguise even from ourselves.
Earlier in this service, as we listened to the roll call of deceased classmates, if your experience tracked at all with mine, there were names read that were less familiar to you. But then there were other names that evoked fond memories of experiences you shared with those men, experiences that defined the quality of their character, the kind of person they were. And it saddened us once more to realize that they, together with these others from our band of brothers, have joined the “ghostly assemblage.”
The wisdom of Solomon points out, however, that painful reminiscences like this can actually work to our advantage. They serve to remind us that one day someone will read our name from such a roll or at our own funeral service, but more than that, they beseech us, in light of what is at stake, to ask ourselves, “When that day comes, what will others remember about me? Will they say that I led a good life, that my life counted? Most importantly, what will God say?”
We have gathered here today to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. How better to honor their memory than to use this memorial service as an occasion for recommitment, for rededication, with God’s help, to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives, to live well whatever time remains to us, as our friends did?
Editing Services. Remy Benoit
If you are writing your own book, or have the desire to do so, you have come to the right place!
Join me at for Gentle Editing—Your Words Your Way.
You will find recommendations at the site and please note that charges for services for Veterans are half price!
Gentle Editing—Your Words Your Way.
A great adventure awaits you as you see your words come to life on your page. If you think you don't have the time to write a book, let me show you that you really do if you really want to.
Joe Galloway: For What Did They Die?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Newspapers, at Common Dreams For What Did They Die?.
Joe asks some very powerful questions in this piece.
Keep in mind that yellow bumper stickers will not get our Vets treatment at the VA; will not help them or their families through hard financial times; will not help with their PTSD or a hundred other things.
The treatment of our Veterans depends on you. Will you stand up and serve them?
Niall Ferguson: Wall Street Lays Another Egg. Remy Benoit
From Niall Ferguson at Vanity Fair Wall Street Lays Another Egg.
From an in depth look at the historic rise of the money economy Niall Ferguson: The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World.
Send a pre-paid phone card to a soldier. Remy Benoit
From the USO SEND A PRE-PAID PHONE CARD TO A LONELY SOLDIER OVERSEAS.
Chambliss v Martin. Remy Benoit
In the 2002 campaign Chambliss questioned the patriotism of his opponent, Max Cleland who left three of his limbs in Vietnam. At the time, Senator McCain decried this dirty politics—now he is on his way to Georgia to support Chambliss in his race against Martin. I wonder why. John Nichols at The Nation wonders why.
John McCain's Reprehensible Campaign Swing.
More research needed for Veteran illnesses. Remy Benoit
From Kimberly Hefling, AP, at Veterans for Common Sense Gulf War News: VA Research Panel Recommends More Research for Illnesses Impacting up to 210,000 Veterans.
President-elect Obama has asked for us to work with his administration to right what is wrong in our country. Too many of our Veterans are not getting the attention they need, and earned. It will take a collective grass roots movement of our demands to right this wrong. Use your voice—loud and clear to support, truly support, our Veterans. Contact President-elect Obama.
For those of you coming home, this is a book that can help you—I know it says so much that you need to hear as I did the editing for it. You will hear the voices of many Vets who have already gone through what you are going through now. The author, Britta Reque-Dragicevic, covered post war Sarjevo as an AP reporter, thus she knows what war can do.Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War. Join Britta, John Cory, me, and so many others who want you to know you are welcomed home and we are all here for you.
Leo Gerard: This Moment Calls for Boldness. Remy Benoit
I have been watching the doom and gloomers on TV—all but calling for the sky to fall. We know, when we really think about it, that we make our lives with our thoughts, our actions, our visions. If we choose to constantly think negatively; if we choose to constantly only think of self with the idea of lack—if I don't have it all my life will be miserable and the rest of them, well the rest of them, let them fend for themselves—if we constantly are re-active rather than pro-active, we will just keep digging ourselves into deeper holes.
What if the media reported businesses that, and householders who, are making it and interview them about how they are achieving success; what if corporations thought in the long run for the greater good; what if we threw the lobbyists out of the Hall of Congress and replaced them with everyday Americans telling how life is at the bread and butter level, maybe then we could get and support legislation that nutured the country, nutured this ever shrinking planet.
What if we listened to our Veterans about what is happening in the combat zones they know; if we listened to their families about how they are faring with loved ones away for a third, or fourth, or fifth tour?
What if we listened to our Veterans each and everyday about what they are experiencing at the VA?
What if we stood up and reminded those in the halls of power that this country belongs to us and we are its keepers and willing to do the work to accept that responsibility?
What if we keep sending in ideas; speaking out about wrongs; providing ideas for solutions that really work and are not bandages on suppurating wounds?
What if we contacted the Transition Team and spoke our voices? Obama-Biden Transition Team.
What if we said, like Leo Gerard at Campaign for America's Future that This Moment Screams For Boldness. and then stood up and worked for our country? What if we really stood up for a better world for our children?
That would be how a Patriot acts.
Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Brian Ross and Jason Ryan, ABC News, at Truthout New Blackwater Iraq Scandal: Guns, Silencers and Dog Food.
Away from home for the holidays. Remy Benoit
I have been talking with some of you about being away from home for the holidays in strange lands, in combat zones. I suggested that those of you who have "been there" and know how it feels might want to share your stories with others who are in that place now. It might help them get through emotionally and physically.
You are invited to share your stories with those in active service now to help them through the holiday season knowing that others have made it through, that they are not the first, and won't be last, to know what it feels like to be away from home for the holidays.
Whatever your war, wherever you were stationed, how did you make it through the holidays, your birthday, anniverary, whatever special days—what memories—bitter, sweet, or, indeed, bittersweet—can you share with those in far away places now?
If you were the one here on the home front with your loved one stationed far away, how did you make it through?
Just click on Comments and send your stories on to me for sharing with your sisters and brothers in arms. All copyrights will remain with original authors. Thanks so much.
Blessings to all,
Miz' Remy
A Mother's Greatest Gift. Remy Benoit
This is the very first reply to my invitation to share thoughts about being separated from loved ones on the holiday while a family member is in active service.
Thank you so much for sharing, Connie.
My son was in the surge in '07 and '08 which meant lots of holidays missing and worried about him. What made Christmas and my January birthday wonderfully better was an hour long call from him from Iraq. I also had broken my arm and we laughed about that, saying here I was stateside "wounded" and there he was God bless, fine. Phone calls and e-mails got me through including all those generated by his wonderful sweetheart. A mother's greatest gift is the voice of her beloved child no matter how far apart they are.
Feingold Wants to Restore Rule of Law. Remy Benoit
From Adam Cohen, the New York Times, at Common Dreams Democratic Pressure on Obama to Restore the Rule of Law.
Please don't forget to send in your stories of how you and your loved ones cope with one or more of you away on active duty.
No Masks Allowed for Iraqi Interpreters. Remy Benoit
From Ernesto Londoño, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Ban on masks upsets Iraqi interpreters New policy prompted by improved security, U.S. Army says.
From Think Progress Iraqi cabinet approves security agreement with firm 2011 withdrawal deadline.
From the AP at Military.com Iraq's Cabinet says yes to US Pact.
From Leila Fadel, Nancy A. Youssef and Warren P. Strobel, McClatchy Newspapers, at the Buffalo News Iraq seeks more talks on pact calling for U. S. troop withdrawal.
From National Priorites Costs of Iraq War.
From CNN, Forces: U.S. Coaltion Casualties Iraq and Afghanistan.
Secretary Clinton?. Remy Benoit
Well, maybe that depends on former President Clinton's recent activities. From Don Van Natta Jr. and Jo Becker, The New York Times, at MSNBC Obama team reviews Bill Clinton's dealings Aides: Sen. Clinton will only get job if husband's activities pose no conflict.
Do add you voice to President-elect Obama's Change.gov.
Here's a good place to start. From Paul Sullivan, Executive Director, VCS VCS Urges Research into Gulf War Exposures and Gulf War Illness Treatments.
Also from Veterans for Common Sense Newshour Interviews.
Your country, your Constitution, your world need you.. Remy Benoit
We are at a crossroads in history.
How we choose will determine our national and personal courses for decades to come.
We need to ask ourselves do we want to live with fear, with negativity, with name calling, separation, and all the things that come with that?
Or do we want to recognize that we live on a planet where our actions impact on all?
Do we want to promote a better life for all, or hold on to all for ourselves?
We send out young to spread democracy; we ask them to put their personal lives on hold and to topple governments that are repressive. And yet, and yet, when they come home wounded in body, mind, spirit, soul we forget them—leave them to their own devices; leave them to slow churning VA and tell them to "get over it," get a job, get back to civilian life.
We ask our young to go and spread democracy, while we sit back and watch our Constitution being eroded; Geneva Conventions being ignored.
We listen to news stations filled with words that separate—liberal, progressive, conservative, right wing conservative. We use the term Christianity in a way surely that Christ would not recognize. We legislate a Patriot Act that would silence true patriots. We allow our e-mail and phone conversations to be spied upon. We feed corporate greed. We feel our personal views are under attack, and yet attack the personal views of others.
We use words that separate, aggravate, divide—them, us, alien, fanatic, partisan—and fail to see that they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, not just collateral damage. We decorate our homes for the holidays, and watch others being blown apart and don't seem to see the connection that they are the dwelling places of families just as our homes are.
We actively choose to see the differences, rather than the similarities between peoples.
We fail to remember the sharing lessons that are part of all kindergarten classes and prefer to remember the competition we learned in grade school.
We carry the failures of the past much more readily than we carry the successes—just as we do personally. With that burden comes the fear, the lingering negatives, the glittering generalities separating them and us.
We substitute words to fit our definitions of what we feel is right—we call women who want their own voices radical feminists; we collectively moan about teenage lifestyles when we leave them out of the community to fend for themselves; we refuse to acknowledge rape of of female soldiers by their brothers in arms.
We bend things, words, even intelligence reports, to substantiate the beliefs we carry rather than examining realties.
We cry war and then decide we have had enough of it—that it is too costly and we could have been building schools and roads.
We demand absolutes—this way, this belief, all the time and fail to see that we enjoy differences—that we enjoy trying new foods, that we enjoy the change of seasons and how that nurtures the earth. What if every single day was 75 and sunny? The earth would shrivel, your food supply would die, and so would you.
We need to take a very, very close look at the words we use.
We need to take a very close look and ask ourselves if the beliefs we have are truly ours or those handed down through the personal and collective families of which we are a part.
We need to sit down and read our Constitution and ask ourselves what those words mean to us in terms of practical life. We need to sit back in awe at that "experiment" that was said to only be on a failure, impossible, course in the history of humans—that the People could never be wise enough to govern themselves. We need to realize that the "great experiment" is only doomed to failure if we interpret its rights as applying to only a small percentage of the People.
That was not the dream, not the vision, of the Founding Fathers, and yes, Founding Mothers, too.
We are at a crossroads, and we need to stop and deeply ask ourselves how we will continue on our journey.
When you come up with some answers, feel free to share them here, or with the President-elect at
Change Gov—President-elect Obama.
We each have a story to tell. Remy Benoit
We each have a story.
We are each capable of telling our individual and collective stories.
Whether we do that is up to each of us.
You are a "newbie" just arriving at your first station. You don't know the ropes, the routines, yet.
You meet other soldiers who "know" what it is all about and you wonder if you will pass muster when it comes to be your time to know.
You are a new mother, a new father, without any experience at the vast challenge called child rearing. The task seems absolutely formidable, and at the same time the realization comes to you that you have taken on loving, nurturing, guiding someone—for the rest of your life.
It is the very first Thanksgiving dinner that you will make solo. The kitchen seems overwhelming—turkey ( how do you keep it from the consistency of shoe leather ); the stuffing, the coleslaw—just how much sugar goes into sweet potatoes and apples, let alone pecan, pumpkin, apple pie or something as formidable as getting the meringue right for a lemon meringue pie?
It is your first holiday break from college—you come home and everyone and everything seem just a bit different, until, until you realize that you are no longer the same person who left home. How does this new you relate to the old them; or, wow, have they changed while you were gone?
Was this the time you planned to retire and it all fell apart with the economic crunch? How do you feel about that? How can we rectify the situation and see that this does not happen to others who are ready to turn off the alarm clock and get up when they have actually had enough sleep?MSNBC Melissa Dahl Retirement dreams give way to despair, anger Many grappling with golden year disappointments as nest eggs dwindle.
Did you suffer through a catastrophe of nature and watch all you had built float or burn away? How do you wander through the ruins of your life; what is left to take away with you and start all over again? With what bureaucracy did you have your greatest struggles and how did you emerge from it all?
Did your doctor say words you never expected to hear? Words that tell you there is not much time left? How are you processing and living with that? From whom do you seek guidance?
Did you give your heart away totally and unconditionally only to have it handed back to you in broken and betrayed pieces? How do you handle that, go through that? Did you receive or send a Dear John letter? How have others survived a broken heart and go on to find love without hurt, without disappointment, without conditions or unrealistic expectations?
We find our answers in our own experiences, and in the stories that are handed down through the generations.
You are coming home from active duty and all seems so different. You are checking the roads for IED's; ducking a loud noises; sleeping in a comfortable bed with a partner who seems to you to have changed a bit during your tour of duty. You have no idea, and perhaps no desire, to how to, or, indeed, if you even want to, try to explain to those who have not been there what you know that they don't.
What do you do with these feelings, with these confused emotions?
You share you story by writing your own, by reading the stories of those who have written them down and you find that through the ages, although the places, the people, the very customs change, we are still at heart and soul level, human, only human—with a need for food, shelter, love, acceptance, compassion, empathy.
Ask yourself today, if I had to write one paragraph passing on to others what I have learned, what questions I have, what would that paragraph say?
Sit down, write it down.
Begin to write, to understand, your story. Share it, here, with those you love, with anyone who will read it with compassion. Be careful who you trust with your heart and soul. We still are on our way to learning empathy and compassion.
If your story is well along, if you need help, you have come to the right place. Gentle Editing: Your Words—Your Way. Others have trusted me with that and you may read their recommendations at the site. Remember, Veterans are charged only half price as my way of saying Thank you for your service. While you are here, please make use of the free writing seminar available at Welcome Home Soldier. Many have contributed their writing to help you find your way through your story.
If you can make a donation to help with the costs of this site, please just click on Donations and do the Pay Pal thing.
Thanks so much.
Blessings to you and your story.
Miz' Remy
Sexual assault in the military. Remy Benoit
From Cheryl Wittenauer, AP, at Common Dreams Documentary Tells Ex-Army Sergeant's Story of Pain.
Thanksgiving is just a week away.. Remy Benoit
With the Thanksgiving holiday just a week away, perhaps it is a good idea to stop a moment and ponder the reasons you personally have for giving thanks.
Times are not easy now, prices are high and not coming down with the lowering price of a barrel of oil.
Perhaps you could consider giving thanks for living in a country where you are still free to express your thoughts.
Perhaps you could consider giving thanks for your health if you have it and sometimes take it for granted.
Perhaps you could consider giving thanks for a warm bed, off the cold floor, with sheets, blankets, and pillows.
Perhaps you could consider giving thanks for indoor plumbing.
Perhaps you could consider giving thanks for the computer upon which you are reading this.
Perhaps you could consider praying for those who have loved ones in combat zones; for our homeless Veterans who are not enjoying the gratitude of their nation.
Perhaps you could consider praying for guidance for our country; guidance for the leaders of the world to work hard to find better ways than wars to lead us into.
Make a list of all the things you have to be grateful for—including the fingers you are using to write of type the list with.
Perhaps it might be a good idea to find at least 5 things everyday to give thanks for.
Perhaps it might be a good idea to have each person at your table at supper time tell about something good that happened to them that day—even if it seemed a very hard day, there is the hot shower to give thanks for.
Think ahead, pray ahead, and make this Thanksgiving one for which to be truly thankful.
Here are two sites—one with suggestions for the holiday; one with some discussion of the "myth" we have created surrounding it.
From That's the Spirit Entertaining.
From B NET Business Network and USA Today Myths and rituals of Thanksgiving.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial. Remy Benoit
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer at Veterans for Common Sense Newspaper Editorial: Veterans Need the Right Advocate to Lead VA.
A personal note to President-elect Obama: How a nation treats and cares for its Veterans is a matter of national honor. It is imperative that we keep the unwritten Covenant—Be there for us and we will be there for you. We are not keeping that Covenant and that is truly a blemish on our national soul. Please be the one to finally get this right.
As a nation, our representatives have made us signatories to international conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war. We have openly violated those agreeements with a burgeoning of legalistic doublespeak to justify it—interestingly, think about the root word of justify—jus which carries the meanings of a right, law as a system or in the abstract. Just as our Veterans need the proper advocate, so do those in service because if we violate the rights of prisoners of war, then what Pandora's box do we open for our own soldiers should that horror come to them?
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Joe has been called by General Schwarzkopf, the The finest combat correspondent of our generation. We should give some thought to his insights.
Also, give some thought to this commentary of his Commentary: A top general says more troops aren't the answer in Afghanistan. How many of us remember 20,000 or 50,000 more would solve the problem?
I suggest that we not send anyone as an ambassador, or any of his or her staff, to represent us in any country unless they are fluent in the language, well versed in the history, culture, and religion of the area. To do anything else opens us to mis-communication, mis-understanding, mis-direction of foreign policy.
Yes, we can "bully" our way through foreign affairs, but that kind of attitude comes home to roost. From CNN and the Huffington Post World Leaders Don't Shake Bush's Hand At G20 Summit (VIDEO).
As we revitalize our Constitution, let us remember that we are the deciders and not be so quick to forfeit that so hard earned right. Ask yourself, what would a Patriot, a real Patriot do with the Patriot Act? Allowing only one right to be eroded opens the flood gates to destruction.
If you have some ideas to share with the President-elect, well, here is the place Change.gov.
Maybe this was how the pyramids were built?. Remy Benoit
From NPR Ancient Mystery: How The Great Pyramid Was Built.
Joint Experts Statement on Iran. Remy Benoit
From Just Foreign Policy Joint Experts Statement on Iran.
They are calling for talks rather than pre-emptive strikes.
Video: The Gift of Inspiration. Remy Benoit
I don't know where you are, but here in the Southland it is a frosty morning, so sit back and enjoy The Gift of Inspiration.
President-elect Barack Obama on the Current Economic Crisis. Remy Benoit
You are invited to share your thoughts.
Do you want to show your kids how it was "back in the day?". Remy Benoit
Life Magazine is sharing its archived photos!
Go ahead, take a walk Down History Lane.
Search millions of historic photos.
Kurds Acquire Weapons . Remy Benoit
From Ernesto Londoño, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Kurds in Iraq get weapons from Bulgaria Baghdad officials worry after 3 planeloads of arms arrive in north of country.
What if, America?. Remy Benoit
What if we kept writing to the media that we want to hear what is good about the United States, about the world?
What if we kept telling the media that we want to hear success stories; stories about people who care for ths country—people who give of their time and money to make things better for others and for the country, for the world, as a whole?
What if we kept telling the media that we want to hear about the Jane and Joe who show up for work everyday, contributing, rather than lining their golden parachutes?
What if we insist that we hear about the young who are studying, who are volunteering, who take care of their siblings, who live the principles of their respective faiths instead of mouthing dogmatic platitudes filled with contempt for the faith of others?
What if we change the words we use to accentuate what is good, rather than babble endlessly, and uselessly, about what is wrong?
What if we show ourselves, and the world, that this noble experiment is evolving, that we are learning what "created equal" truly means and that we are trying to find ways to implement that?
What if we say and mean that we care whether or neighbors, close or far, have food on their tables, under their own roofs, and medical care for their children, for all their family members?
What if we say to our politicians that you will not remain in your positions if you do not listen to us?
What if we say to the lobbyists, go home and work for the good of the country as a whole rather than your own pork barrel?
What if we all sing America, and the world, and what we can be? what if we become mentors for that growth and change?
What if we change the words we use, for words have tremendous power for change, and most change starts with simply a small handful of people and spreads from them?
Will you be a mentor for the United States, for the rest of the planet, or is your couch too comfortable for that?
Your donations, no matter how small, help me to keep this site going. If you can help, please just click on Donations. Thanks so much.
President Elect Obama Shares Plans. Remy Benoit
And this is the time when we need to keep faith and not give in to the doomsayers!
From the AP at MSNBC Obama intensifies focus as economy worsens.
As I said in a previous post today, words, intensions, and pro-active actions make a huge difference. Please see below, What if, America?
Stand up for your country—American ends in I can and Yes, we CAN!
Perhaps Congress should reconvene next Monday, not January 6th? How many of you have that kind of holiday vacation? You are paying their salaries and it is about time that they earned them.
Thus, an open request to the Congress of the United States:
Our troops are not home for the holidays.
Those who have lost their homes have no homes for the holidays.
Those who have lost, and are losing, their jobs have little hopes for the holidays.
The polls show our Congress at pathetically low approval ratings.
This is a time of crisis, real crisis in so many areas, and as our representatives, we need you in place through the holiday season, taking a stand for our country.
Therefore, I humbly suggest that you all go back to Washington, D.C. and get to work ironing out what needs to be done. Investigate the corporate misdeeds; investigate usury charging credit card companies; investigate war profiteering; investigate private mercenary armies; investigate the inadequacies of the Veterans Administration; investigate the why of on any given night nearly a half a million of our Veterans are homeless; investigate the roots of the housing crisis; investigate the use of torture in our names; investigate the abuses of our Constitution; investigate the donut hole in Medicare prescription costs. Show us that you have the backbone that built this great country by standing tall for it, by actually being there through this crunch time for it, for us, for its future generations. Investigate, suggest solutions, restrict, or, indeed, punish the misdeeds that led to all of these, and a hundred more, problems. Bring resolution to areas of conflict and combat—open real communications.
Perhaps home for the holidays this year means being there to protect our homes, our nation, and, indeed, our sacred honor.
Take a train, take a bus, drive, borrow a private jet, but show up and do what needs to be done, now, not next year. Deliver Meals on
Wheels on Thanksgiving Day; serve food in a shelter; share a meal in a VA hospital and expand your view of your Country, and then get back to work on Friday, just like the rest of the country. Show the world, YES, WE CAN.
Our Veterans Without Homes. Remy Benoit
On any given night, nearly a half a million of our Veterans are without homes.
Can you help them? Can you give them Thanks for yor Service by making a donation to:
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Britta Reque-Dragicevic: Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War . Remy Benoit
As editor of this book I can absolutely recommend this work to you that Miz' Britta has put her heart and soul into with much love for all of you.
Many Veterans have added their words to her thoughts so you will know that others have felt and are feeling many of the emotions that you are experiencing coming home.
Join her and them at CLOSE TO HOME: A SOLDIER'S GUIDE TO RETURNING FROM WAR.
And an FYI from the Salt Lake City Tribune at Military.com Vets Demand Data on Balad Burn Pit.
This might bring up some memories for those of you who served in the green. Be easy with yourself—know that there are many of us who care and work constantly to bring your needs to public attention.
Care of our troops must be a Number 1 priority for us.
Have you spent your holidays far from home and loved ones?. Remy Benoit
If you have, then you are invited to share your stories of how you made it through holidays away from home, in combat zones, whenever, wherever you were. My feeling is that knowing others have walked that ground will make the ground seem more firm under the feet of those who are there now.
I have already posted one story from a mother at home with a son on duty in Iraq for two tours. On Wednesday, I will start posting other stories as they come in. It is my belief that hearing from those who have been there, from those who know, will help make the coming holidays more gentle for those who are away now.
Blessing to all for Thanksgiving,
Miz' Remy
Wisdom: The Book, The Film. Remy Benoit
Operation Once in a Lifetime. Remy Benoit
Want to help a soldier pay the electric bill, meet the mortgage payment, get a bed for his/her children. Then this seems to be the place to go.
Operation Once in a Lifetime.
Why Clinton for State?. Remy Benoit
From Ari Berman at The Nation Soggy Bottom.
This position is not a consolation prize. It should go to the person best suited to carry out affairs in the absolutely best way for all nations concerned. We have had someone in this position who is a cold war expert, with disastrous consequences. We need to ask what Senator Clinton brings to this position when there are others perhaps more qualified to fill it. You can ask the President-elect that at Change.gov.
Putting our place on the planet in perspective. Remy Benoit
This link was sent to me, the photography is exquisite. Do share it with others.
Great Dane Pro: Blue Beauty.
Please turn on your sound for this video that reminds us that we must give thanks for the enormous blessing we have been given to be caretakers of this planet.
Blessings for Thanksgiving to all,
Miz' Remy
Don Jones, LTC (Ret), US Army—God is always there. . Remy Benoit
I graduated from West Point with the Class of 1968. My combat action spanned a short period from July through August 5, 1969, when I was shot in the elbow and medivaced to Japan. So while I was not in combat over a holiday period, I can pass on what gave me comfort in that environment.
I am a strong Christian and believe what God has promised in the Bible when he said he would never leave us nor forsake us.
Thus I found comfort in knowing that no matter what situation I found myself in, I would never be alone. And if something happened to me, I would be going to a better place. There is much comfort in knowing who is in charge and knowing that my future was secure.
As Christians, we are never alone. The presence of comrades is important, but not always possible. God is always there.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
Don Jones, LTC (Ret), US Army
Ross Irvin: Thanksgiving—Vietnam, 1969. Remy Benoit
Thanksgiving Day started no differently than all the other days for the past three months—with the rain. Not the hard rain of a thunderstorm, which beats down hard for half and hour or so, and then passes. This was the incessant light drizzle of the South China monsoon. Everyone was soaked, and their meager possessions as well. Only beloved letters, or other such personal items, escaped the damp since they were always tenderly tucked away in used plastic mortar shell wraps in the ubiquitous ammo can everyone carried under their rucksack.
The soldiers of the 3rd platoon, C Company 1/12th Infantry (“Red Warriors”) looked upon the day with mixed feelings. Some looked upon the day with genuine feelings of thanksgiving; for family, friends, and survival—so far. The rest, however, looked at the day in terms closer to their personal welfare..
The rumor was that the general had ordered that no soldier could go out on a mission until they had eaten Thanksgiving dinner. The CO was acting as if this was true. After all, the overnight short range patrols (SRPS) had already come in and no one had been sent back out. It was already well after dawn....
Life went on as it always does when soldiers have to wait for an indeterminate time. Some re-read letters from home, and wrote new ones. Some cleaned their weapons, yet again. Some surreptitiously listened to their radio at low volume. Others just slept or played cards. Everyone, however kept an intermittent watch on the southwest horizon. That was where the Thanksgiving bird would come from.
About 2:30 in the afternoon there was a break in the light drizzle. The sun, which hadn’t been seen for several days feebly tried to break through the high overcast. It wouldn’t be long now.
An hour later we could hear the faint “whop, whop, whop” of the Huey as it made a beeline towards our location. Smoke was out—yellow this time. The bird landed amidst a frenzied cloud of flying debris and smoke, but it wouldn’t be there long. The mermites with the food were quickly unloaded. Juan, of the 2nd platoon who was going on R&R to Bangkok and had decided to forego his dinner after all, jumped on the bird with the company mail. The bird turned, lifted its tail and swiftly headed down the valley. The whole process had taken less than a minute. The clouds closed in again.
The first sergeant was too smart to allow everyone to hang around the food at once, as it would invite another mortar attack. He therefore arranged that we would eat by platoon. As our platoon was scheduled to go out that day, we were first.
When we arrived they had just opened the lids to the mermites. There was still enough steam to give you an idea of the glorious contents. You could smell the sweet potatoes first, then the stuffing and finally the real turkey (not the “loaf”). Next to the mermites were cans of nuts and oh my, pumpkin pie! (The pies hadn’t even been too damaged when the boxes were tossed out of the helicopter—all the parts were still there.) It was not at all like home, of course, but for troops who had subsisted on “C-rations” and LRPs for months, it was a welcome and appreciated change.
There was some disturbance at the front of the line, but we couldn’t see what it was at first.
Then we saw. Somehow the paper plates had been left out so no one had anything to eat on. (The old Korean War mess tins had long ago been abandoned as too heavy. Besides, "C rations" came in cans and LRPs were in plastic bags—what was the problem?)
Characteristically, the first sergeant had handled this difficulty with typical ingenuity. "Hold out your left hand, Sir." I received the warm sweet potatoes, topped by a slice of bread.
"Now your right hand" I now received the stuffing and the pungent turkey.
"Would you like gravy..." he grinned?
"You can come back for the pumpkin pie later." As if on cue, the drizzle began again.
An hour later, in the gathering darkness, the 3rd platoon left the company perimeter and trudged up the slippery hill. We were still thoroughly wet, but filled.
Thanksgiving Day was over. It was now time to get back to work.
Gulf War Syndrome in Real. Remy Benoit
From CNN Gulf War illness is real, new federal report says.
Perhaps we should learn to listen to our Veterans when they tell us they are sick; when PTSD is tearing their lives apart.
They need your voice behind them. Can you report for duty on that?
Send a Pre-Paid Phone Card to a Soldier. Remy Benoit
Someone wants to call home for the holidays.
Let's get them the ability to do that!
Give Yourself That Special Gift This Holiday Season. Remy Benoit
You know the one I am talking about—that book you have always wanted to write; the story that only you can tell.
I can help you make that dream come true.
Put your fingers to your keyboard now and begin—I am here, I can help you from start to finish!
Join me at Gentle Editing—Your Words—Your Way.
Join those who have worked to make their dream book come true at Gentle Editing—Your Words—Your Way.
Veterans get a 50% discount as my way of saying thank you!
These diaries may be of interest to you.
A Diary of the Century: Tales by America's Greatest Diarist by Edward Robb Ellis.
And, does the name George Orwell ring any bells? This site has begun to post his diaries, with often quite amusing comments to them posted!
Orwell Diaries.
Tortured by what he saw in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Matthew Alexander at the Washington Post AN INTERROGATOR SPEAKS
I'm Still Tortured by What I Saw in Iraq.
For my buddies in the UK. Remy Benoit
Please join Tony "Mack" McNally, a Veteran of the Falklands War for Live Aid 2009 for the benefit of Veterans from the UK. Live Aid 2009.
You may visit with Mack at his site Rogue Gunner: The Thoughts of a Falklands Veteran.
Can't we work harder for peace for the children?. Remy Benoit
Can you look at these kids and tell them we can't find a better way? From You Tube, Christmas Canon (Trans-Siberian Orchestra).
Little Relief for Gulf War Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Kimberly Hefling, the AP, at Veterans for Common Sense VCS in the News: Some Vindication for Sick Gulf War Veterans, But Little Relief.
Paul Polansky, The New Kosova Report. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Roma Children Dying of Lead Poisoning.
Isn't it time that we made a better world for all the children everywhere?
MTV: Made and True Life. Remy Benoit
From MTV's Tamika Young and Andrea Manning at Veterans for Common Sense MTV's "Made" and "True Life" Premieres Riveting New Episodes on December 6, 2008 at 1 pm ET/PT.
Do you want to help change the world for the better?. Remy Benoit
Perhaps the answer to how to do that lies in understanding, compassion, and communication.
A simple place to start is just taking five minutes a day, sitting right where you are, to learn something about a community, here or abroad, that you do not already know. The more we know about each other, the more we open dooors to real communication rather than stereotypical hysterics and beligerency.
Okay, at random, as most of us like pictures, let's go to Romania. Click on any picture on the site and expand your knowledge.
Tomorrow's "travel goal" is up to you. If you need a little help with your itinerary, try Samarkand. and find out why it is one of history's most important places. Or, try someplace smaller, like, well, let me think, okay, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. which started out as a logging camp and now has the best strawberries you can find!
Send us a link to a favorite place of yours, or just one that you have come across and find interesting.
Look at it this way. Many of us grew up during the Cold War just waiting for the "big one" to go up. But what did we know of the Republics that under coercion were part of the Soviet Untion? Visit here one of the oldest cities in Ukrainia, Kiev and learn something about its history. Then maybe you might go on to read Anatoly Kuznetsov's Babi Yar. if your interest lies in WWII. Learn in this one something about Soviet censorship. What is the difference between, The Soviet Army marched on and The tired Soviet Army marched on? This just might give you the clue to what to watch for, both there and omitted, in your own newspaper. And while we are here, what do you know about Samizdat.?
Be careful, once you start, it is like writing a book—you get hooked on it, learning more, writing just one more word before lights on; learning just one more new thing on your walk Down History Lane.
If you are writing, I can help you! Gentle Editing: Your Words—Your Way.
You can change the world a bit today. Just reach out to someone who needs a loving and supportive word from you. Words have power—the can heal, or they can bring destruction—the choice is up to you how you use them. If you want peace, it must start with you. Think about it this way. What is the difference between people and government? What can people do to make their governments more just, both at home and abroad?
Shinseki to Be Named VA Secretary. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Shinseki to Be Named VA Secretary.
A New Twist on the American Dream?. Remy Benoit
I don't think this is it; this is desperation. The real question is—who will answer for generating this situation?
When one of the presidential candidates has more homes than he can remember, and so many Americans have and are losing their homes, something is seriously wrong.
From Tamara Lush, the AP, at Common Dreams Homes with No People, People with No Homes
Activist Moving Homeless People Into Foreclosed Houses in Miami.
When we have nearly half a million of our Veterans on the streets on any given night, something is seriously amiss.
Looks like the President-elect has a huge job in front of him. If you have ideas to help them, Change.gov
Les Wright: Christmas in Vietnam, 1969. Remy Benoit
I had just arrived in Vietnam December 9 of 1969 and was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division.
Away from family, most of the classmates assigned to the area were just going home, and in many other ways the Christmas Holiday seemed more like an Xmas than any I had experienced.
Then on Christmas Eve some units got the planning together and produced a Cross in the sky with flares from different directions and trajectories.
Just a reminder to me that Christ was part of Christmas, even in Vietnam.
Collateral Damage: Babylon's History. Remy Benoit
From Agence France-Presse at Truthout Babylon's History Swept Away in US Army Sandbags.
From The Thin Green Line The Gift That Keeps On Taking.
Back again!. Remy Benoit
No, I did not desert you. We had a catastrophic snowfall here and just got power back late yesterday, and the Net this morning.
I will back when I dig out from under just a little bit more.
Blessings to all,
Miz' Remy
Sarah Chayes: Clean Up the Afghanistan Government. Remy Benoit
Ms. Chayes' words spoke to me. On December 11, a very unusual snow storm, one that had been forecast as rain mixed with snow, came through Louisiana. Our trees, like my 100+ year old Live Oaks, are not constructed to hold snow. The first three inches were pretty, the next 5 catastrophic. The long, long graceful branches of my oaks cracked, broke, fell to the ground, or are still leaning against their more fortunate brothers. Power went down at 7 AM that day, and did come back until supper time on Sunday.
The temps dropped into the 40's in the house and made think of the people of Afghanistan, of our troops there. Last year one of our men who served there told me of shivering in temps of 3 degrees.
As people we all share common needs: food, clothing, shelter. Women and their babies should not be dying from the cold during childbirth.
Perhaps we should consider some of things in this Editorial. Perhaps we should study some history and send diplomats, commanding soldiers who understand the ways of the lands to which they are sent. Those of us old enough, have heard the chant of "20,000 more" before. The root of the problem will not be solved by increased numbers but by digging out the corruption that perpetuates the problems.
From Sarah Chayes, Washington Post at Veterans for Common Sense Editorial Column: Clean Up the Corrupt Afghanistan Government, and the Taliban Will Fade Away.
Maya Schenwar: Afghanistan: A Way Forward. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Afghanistan: A Way Forward.
Ari Folman: Waltz With Bashir. Remy Benoit
Graphic trailer for this animated movie which will open soon regarding war memories, flashbacks.
At You Tube Ari Folman: Waltz With Bashir.
Michael Winship:Corruption Destroys Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Michael Winship at Truthout Corruption Destroys Afghanistan.
Robert Parry: Cheney's Contempt for the Republic. Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Cheney's Contempt for the Republic.
Christmas Eve. Remy Benoit
This beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas was sent to me to be shared with you by Alan Aker, West Point Class of 1968.
Do take the time to sit down and watch the video through. It will open your heart, enrich your faith, and remind you that although it sometimes seems otherwise, you are never alone.
To all of you on active duty, our thanks, our prayers for your safe return home.
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to all.
Miz' Remy
From Tony C. Drive and Josh Groban at You Tube O Holy Night.
Ross Irvin: Christmas in Vietnam 1969. Remy Benoit
From Ross Irvin, West Point Class of 1968, a
Christmas Gift to remember! Thanks for sharing this with us, Ross.
Like small children waiting for Santa and the Christmas sleigh, so the soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry waited for the haphazard arrival of the resupply bird. For all of us, it represented Christmas too. Beginning in early December the sacks of mail grew larger and larger on each trip to accommodate the packages from loved ones to all of us far away. The very randomness of the schedule seemed just to add to the anticipation and pleasure.
No one gave any thought whatsoever of “Do not open until Christmas” notices. No one in his right mind was going to haul a wrapped Christmas package around for weeks. We all waited expectantly for the first sergeant to call the names. We heard the cries of pleasure as someone was handed a particularly large box (homemade cookies or other goodies?) and the groans when the first sergeant said “That’s it”.
There were no Christmas tree lights, no mistletoe, no candles, and no incessant Christmas music for the defenders of landing zone (LZ) “Halfway” perched high on the side of a mountain, surrounded by the tall elephant grass. The LZ overlooked the deceptively peaceful An Lao valley. At night there was desultory mortar file from far up the valley. During the day, there was little activity at the LZ other than fire support and resupply. There generally was some light activity among the various patrols that were sent throughout the area.
The source of the LZ name “Halfway” escapes me; it could have been because we were set up half way up the mountain or because we got there when it was half way through someone’s tour. It was always popular to name the LZ after the CO’s wife, but ours had already used his wife’s name several moves back. The first sergeant had used his wife’s too, and the rest of the senior NCO’s didn’t seem to care to give their wives the everlasting fame associated this honor. The new married lieutenant was too new to be of consequence. As a result, the name stuck.
The platoon sergeant, SSG John Smith had received a large box himself. He opened it. Inside were two large tins and a large envelope that said “Personal”. One tin was filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies parts (the box must have been dropped a couple of times). The other tin was filled with peanut butter cookies. They had held together better than the chocolate chips perhaps because they were moister. SSG John passed them around and everyone shared in delight. He discreetly put the “Personal” envelope away for later. There was an unofficial baking contest going on among the platoon members. Everyone agreed that these cookies were good, but Demaio’s grandmother’s Italian cookies were still the standard for excellence. I passed around a box of my grandmother’s pecan divinities which were competitive in their own way, but you could never tell if everyone was just being polite. In fact everyone shared most things as we were all in this together. Even the CO showed off the pictures of his wife in the various outfits she had bought using her employee discount at Nieman-Marcus. He said she was always “saving” him money. (I didn’t understand this concept at the time, but now as a married person understand completely.)
Two days later the bird was back. This time there were two boxes for me. One was from my Aunt Emma. From the weight, I could tell that it was the promised cans of Mexican food. This was certainly a welcome change and of great rarity. Only Juan had received what had been fresh avocados from his family along with other food that hadn’t taken the trip well. The other box was a mystery. It was from the familiar address of my grandparents, but too light to be food. I eagerly opened the box and held it up, the paper falling away.
Suddenly all talk ceased and everyone vanished. I found myself utterly alone in the middle of the LZ with a number of half opened boxes and cases of “C-rations”. I looked up and saw I was holding up a fluorescent green rain jacket. (After all, I had written my grandmother that it was always raining. . . . . ) It would just as well say “Shoot Me.” It couldn’t fail to attract attention. I was half surprised myself that the “crack,” “crack,” “crack” of AK 47 fire hadn’t rumbled down the hill already. I quickly rolled the jacket up and sadly put it back in the box. Activity swiftly returned to normal.
Later SSG John suggested. “Why don’t we use it as a panel to attract helicopters?” I thought about it, but its form didn’t really lend itself to being staked out on the ground and I hated to cut it up and ruin it. Eventually the jacket was sold for $5 MPC to a Vietnamese down the highway on a moped. Hopefully it brought him better luck than it would have brought me.
Now this is truly a CAN DO Attitude! . Remy Benoit
Thanks to Mike K for sending this along!
Meet Bailey who shows us there is a way through even the seemingly coldest and toughest places!
This one is just fine for the kids!
At The Kim Kommando Show Bailey the Unknown Reindeer.
Terry Krautwurst : The Truth About Mistletoe. Remy Benoit
From Terry Krautwurst at Mother Earth News The Truth About Mistletoe.
Today is Boxing Day. If you do not know the origina of this holiday, visit here with the British Shoppe Boxing Day History.
Do have a "smashing time!"
Camillo "Mac" Bica: War Crazy. Remy Benoit
Camillo "Mac" Bica at Truthout War Crazy.
Child Slavery Imported to U.S.. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Child 'slavery' now being imported to U.S. One child's story speaks for the thousands locked in silent servitude.
This is an intolerable situation, here or anywhere else, as is sexual slavery. From The International Justice Mission Seek Justice.
We have to face the fact, and fact it is, that if there was no demand for slaves, sexual or otherwise, these things would not be happening. We have a Constitution that outlaws any kind of slavery. It is up to us to demand that it be honored, that those who violate this basic principle of human dignity face the full justice of the law.
If anyone's child can be enslaved by these perpetrators of such vileness, what makes us think that our children are safe from falling victim to it some day while out taking a walk?
Guardian UK: Dan Rather's Lawsuit Against CBS. Remy Benoit
At Veterans for Common Sense from Christopher Goodwin at the Guardian UK Dan Rather's Lawsuit Against CBS News May Deal President Bush's Legacy a New Blow.
Veteran Care and PTSD. Remy Benoit
At Veterans for Common Sense
Charles Ross, MD News Review (Roseburg, Oregon)Former VA Doctor: Veterans Deserve Better Care.
Are we finally catching on to the fact that our Veterans are not getting the care that they deserve? The question is, what will you do about it? You can start here: Contacting Congress.
And then speak to the President-elect here: Change.gov.
David Michael Green: What To Expect While We're Expecting: Politics In the Time of Obama. Remy Benoit
David Michael Green at Common Dreams What To Expect While We're Expecting: Politics In the Time of Obama.
New Orleans Levees—where lies the culpability? . Remy Benoit
From S. Rosenthal, Levees.org at NOLA Levees.org responds to UNO engineering professor's Christmas Day letter.
What is so hard about doing things the right way in the first place?
Where did we learn to try to avoid taking responsibility for our actions, or inactions?
What will we learn from the heart and soul tearing lessons of Katrina?
Deborah Storie: War Will Not Bring Peace in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Deborah Storie at Common Dreams The Age ( Australia ) War Will Not Bring Peace in Afghanistan.
It is almost a New Year.... Remy Benoit
On so many fronts, home and battle fronts, this has been a very hard year for so very many people.
We have one day left in 2008. Would you consider using that one day to do something, no matter how small, to lighten the burden that someone else is carrying?
It could be something as simple as a smile, a hug, a bag of groceries where it is sorely needed.
So many have lost lives and limbs on battlefronts. Find some way to let a soldier know that you care, that her or his sacrifice is important and appreciated. Demand proper, respectful, and timely care for our Veterans.
Contact Congress. Obama-Biden Transition Team. Share your story there. Let them know what you expect of them. Let them know what you expect of us as a country.
So many have lost homes, jobs; have found the holidays terribly difficult. Find some way to let them know that things will improve, if we all pull together—that you are working with them to make that happen. Sit down with a cup of coffee with someone—share a story with someone and help re-write a better ending for it.
Talk to your parents, your grandparents, about how they are managing with their medical costs, with their prescription costs, and then write to Contact Congress. Obama-Biden Transition Team. and let them know, loud and clear, that this nation needs a better system of health care—just like they have.
So many have made huge profits at the expense of all of us, on the home from, in blatant war profiteering. Let your Representative, Senator, President-elect know that those individuals and corporations must pay the price for their illegal, self-centered, and self-serving actions hurtful to the welfare of their nation. Contact Congress. Obama-Biden Transition Team. Share your story there. Let them know what you expect of them. Let them know what you expect of us as a country.
Shovel a sidewalk for an elderly neighbor. Fetch up some milk or whatever for them at the store. Ask them if they need help with their electric bill and see that they get it, from you, or from the proper authorities designed to help with that.
Help at a food center, donate to a food center, deliver some meals on wheels on New Year's Day.
Talk with your children—truly listen to your children and ask them what is happening in their school, and what is not happening there, on a day to day basis. Find some way to bring cross-generational activities to your childrens' schools—we older folks have a lot we can share with the young.
There are thousands of ways that you could light just one little candle for someone who feels alone in the dark.
When Congress comes back into session, be sure their boxes and e-mails are full of suggestions for what will make us strong, great—make us all we should be; all we claim to be. And keep on reminding them that you are paying them and expect them to produce for you, not for some lobbyist or special interest.
Remind them of our Constitution which they have so sadly neglected, and in that neglect abused.
Gentle the last day of 2008 for someone, some way.
Make 2009 the year we remember that American ends in I CAN—and not only can, but will do. If you want this to happen, it has to start with each and everyone of us. It has to start with you.
God Bless,
Miz' Remy
Nine Steps to Peace for Obama in the New Year. Remy Benoit
From Deepak Chopra, AlterNet, at Truthout Nine Steps to Peace for Obama in the New Year.
Einstein pointed out that we cannot solve problems with the same thinking that caused them. Perhaps some consideration should be given to this perspective from Dr. Chopra.
And while we are thinking about changing the way we think about things, please consider this.
From Aaron Glantz, New America Media at AlterNet Did You Know 200,000 Vets Are Sleeping on the Streets? This number is a low estimate. Wake up to the reality of our Veterans.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Yes, we need to rethink things.
Reving the Burma (Ledo) Road. Remy Benoit
Down History Lane with the L.A. Times Burma's Stilwell Road: A backbreaking WWII project is revived.
We have come a long way since the segregaton in this road building, which shows us that if we really want to change things we can.
Obama's Recovery Plan. Remy Benoit
From Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com at Truthout Obama Sketches Out Recovery Plan.
Campaign for America's Future. Remy Benoit
From Sam Pizzigati and Campaign for America's Future A Final Report Card on the Reagan Years?
Congress.org. Remy Benoit
The New Congress will be sworn in today. You will find some questions to think about at Congress.org.
Is the new stimulus package the right one?
Does Congress deserve a pay raise?
If you have some answers for the President-elect to these questions, you may reach his transition team at
Change.gov.
Aaron Glantz: The War Comes Home: Washington's Battle against America's Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for Common Sense, reviews of Aaron Glantz: The War Comes Home:Washington's Battle against America's Veterans. University of California Press.
We are not keeping the "Covenant" of be there for us and we will be there for you. It is a national disgrace and the only way we can change this is to speak as a nation for our Veterans. The new Congress is sworn in today. Make sure they hear your voice loud and clear—TAKE CARE OF OUR VETERANS—IT IS A NATIONAL PRIORITY.
Glenn Greenwald: Obama's Impressive New OLC Chief. Remy Benoit
From Glenn Greenwald, Salon, at Common Dreams Obama's Impressive New OLC Chief.
The question of the limits of Presidential powers is of vast importance and one that must be Consitutionally determined, and adhered to.
Jason Leopold: Bush Spins Scandalous Neglect of Vets. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Consortium News Bush Spins Scandalous Neglect of Vets.
IAVA Open Letter to Obama. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA an open letter to President-elect Obama to care for our Veterans. You may add your signature in support of our Veterans.
Add Your Name to the Open Letter.
Care of our Veterans is our responsibility. They will not get the care they have earned without your support. Bumper stickers won't do it; your voice, your vote, your demand will.
Obama Weekly Address: Recovery. Remy Benoit
Your Weekly Address from President-elect Obama.
Jason Leopold: Shinseki Promises to Streamline Benefits Claims at Veterans Administration. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at The Public Record Shinseki Promises to Streamline Benefits Claims at Veterans Administration.
I know a Veteran, he is 81 years old, served in WWII. In recently signing up with the VA he was told it would take at least 6 months to get into the system. What is wrong with that? Sorry, Daddy, we owe you more than that, but I promise, we will keep trying until this nation gets it right.
Joe Galloway: Commentary: At long last, sir, have you left no sense of decency?. Remy Benoit
From Joseph L. Galloway at McClatchy Newspapers Commentary: At long last, sir, have you left no sense of decency?.
Truth has its own way of surfacing. This is a truth that must be faced, and one that we must rectify.
Katrina vanden Heuvel: Obama Must Get Afghanistan Right. Remy Benoit
From Katrina vanden Heuvel at The Nation Obama Must Get Afghanistan Right.
At Newsweek, Andrew J. Bacevich The Things We Need to Do Now.
Do get to know Dr. Bacevich. This dignified, scholarly West Point graduate has a great deal to tell you. This interview with Bill Moyers last August will introduce him to you if you are not already aware of this Professor's work. At PBS Welcome to the JOURNAL.
Dr. Bacevich's biography Andrew J. Bacevich.
Larry Kaplow: A Harsh American Footprint. Remy Benoit
From Larry Kaplow at Newsweek A Harsh American Footprint.
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. troops adapting to new rules in Iraq
Agreement gives Iraqi government strict oversight of American forces.
Pat Swayze: Dance for Life. Remy Benoit
Once in awhile we are graced with a talent that makes the actor a living myth, an archetype of strength, courage, truth, and grace. For many years, Patrick Swayze has been one of those men.
Pat is fighting pancreatic cancer in his mid-50's. It is a wretched disease—one, so far without cure. It is truly a "wasting disease," which chemo/radiation can only hold off for unspecified, unknown, quantities of time. At our house we have total empathy with Pat because one of our family is in the same position. Many of our Veterans are too.
Like the fight for what is right for our Veterans, the push for research into this deadly disease is up to you. Please help in any way that you can. There is much information here: Hirschberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cance Research.
Remember Pat as Jed in Red Dawn. along with his fellow freedom fighters raising their weapons to the cry of Wolverines. You have the"weapons," the tools to help fight this. Your voice, your dollars.
This Thursday night, Pat airs a new show on A&E made while he has been fighting this miserable and debilitating disease. Be there with him, with your prayers for him, for all others caught in this inescapable net. Demand research on this, on all forms of cancer. The Beast.
Hold this vision of Pat in your heart—send him your strength, help make this the time of his life feeling all who have so admired his work are there with him now when he needs you. From Dirty Dancing a pure classic of grace, talent, strength, control which I bring you through my tears. The Time of My Life.
Pamela Constable: Great wealth of Afghan elite sows bitterness . Remy Benoit
From Pamela Constable, Washington Post, at MSNBC Great wealth of Afghan elite sows bitterness In one of the world's poorest nations, myriad tales of official corruption>
The plight of the poor is universal, and the numbers of the poor increase every day around the world. The Science and Development Network projects growing food shortages Naomi Antony:Billions face food shortages this century, warns study. The answer to who will suffer the most from this is obvious.
If we continue in Afghanistan the way we are, how will this help the woman and child in the picture in the above article? How do we support a government that does not care for its own? Will "20,000 more" help?
The new President takes over in just a few days now—our engagement in Iraq winds down, but the talk re: Afghanistan is still the same, coming from the same direction, going to the same place. It needs to be rethought. If you missed these thoughts on the subject, look at what Dr. Andrew Bacevich suggests here Rethinking Afghanistan.
We were careless with Iraq, buying into things that simply did not exist. Do we want to do that again, or this time will we speak up? Do we dare not take the time to know the truth, the history of this area of the world? "Back in the day," how many knew how long war had gone on in Vietnam before the "American War?"
We are citizens of a democracy, and that means that we carry a huge responsibility that we cannot shirk. We cannot blame executives if we don't do the work to know the truth or not of what they speak. So here we go:
Afghanistan 101 —
Wikipedia. You may have more information to "clean up" this article, to make it more "neutral," and Wikipedia is the place for that.
Afghhanistan Online. Again, you may question the "neutrality" of this article.
But then don't we need in these days of corporate controlled news to do that with everything?
The 4th Estate is not performing its true function. Someone brought this TV Station to my attention— Free Speech.
Consider this: how much did you spend for breakfast, coffee, bus, taxi, gas just this morning? About half the world's population, c. 3 billion people, live on less than $2 a day. Where is freedom, or indeed, peace in those numbers? Consider also the plight of this country's financial mess? Who will answer for this? For more information on the state of the world Global Issues
Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All.
From Think Progress In the midst of recession, Halliburton Rakes in Billions.
From Barbara Ehrenreich This Land Is Their Land: Reports from a Divided Nation.
We found out that Yes, we could. But that is only the very, very beginning. It is time to wake up, and do something. And while you are at it, be sure that something means taking care of our Veterans. From Maggie Mahar and The Century Foundation The Truth About Veteran Care.
John Dean: The Damaged Institution of the Presidency. Remy Benoit
From John Dean at Find Law The Damaged Institution of the Presidency, How the Obama Administration Intends to Restore It, And What We Can Expect from New OLC Head Dawn Johnsen.
Eric Newhouse: Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
This looks like a book that needs our attention. From PrairieMary Blogspot:
Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
Eric Newhouse Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
IAVA: Live Blogging For Shinseki Hearings. Remy Benoit
With Todd Bowers of the IAVA on Wednesday Live-blogging the Shinseki confirmation hearings.
Maya Schenwar: Congress Aims to Take Back Constitutional War Powers. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Congress Aims to Take Back Constitutional War Powers.
Bill Moyers: The History of America's Future. Remy Benoit
A programming note at Truthout, Friday, January 16, on PBS Bill Moyers Journal with Simon Schama.
Shinseki Opening Statement. Remy Benoit
At Veterans for Common Sense with Thom Shanker
The New York Times Blog Jan 14: Shinseki Testifies About Transforming VA; Opening Statement Released.
Can We Get it Right in Afghanistan?. Remy Benoit
From Katrina vanden Heuvel at The Nation Escalation Without a Plan.
"Waterboarding is torture.". Remy Benoit
From Devlin Barrett And Larry Margasak, AP, at Truthout Obama's Attorney General Pick Breaks From Bush on Torture, Guantanamo.
From Geoff Elliott, Washington correspondent, The Australian Online Dick Cheney warns of security risk if Barack Obama bans waterboarding.
From the AP at MSNBC Bush defends presidency in farewell speech
Outgoing president calls inauguration of Obama 'moment of hope and pride'.
How many times, during the life of we Senior Citizens, have we known the phrase The whole world is watching? From what I am receiving in my e-mail, well, it is. Now is the time to truly define who we are, and who we can be.
get Afghanistan right.
Arianna Huffington at The Nation Arianna Discusses Bush's Farewell Address on "Rachel Maddow."
American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for America American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide.
Free download of the 599 page survival guide. Do pass this around, please!
Contact Veterans for America. and you can help on January 19th to get hard copies together for Veterans facilities.
For those of you asking what you can do, well, here is a can do! Thanks so much.
Review: Ed Tick—Sacred Mountain: Encounters with the Vietnam Beast Volume One: 1979—1984 . Remy Benoit
Over the decades many people have come to me and asked What can we do to help our Veterans?
There are several things that can be done. One of them is to listen—without judgment, with open heart.
The other is to acknowledge that to date, for the most part, we have not listened because we really haven't wanted to know the truths that they know about war. Perhaps this is a strange kind of denial, of self-protection, of sticking our heads in the sand and hoping that the ripples, waves, indeed, tsunami of war stuff won't find or touch us with its insatiable taste for blood and destruction.
Perhaps we have tried not to know how war is the instrument of knowing this:
A long time ago, yesterday for so very many, we waged a war in South East Asia. We called it the Viet Nam War; the Vietnamese called it the American War—one in a succession of many.
Whatever you call, or called, it—a war, a police action—the greatest weight of it was, and still is, carried by those who served—willingly or drafted.
Dr. Ed Tick was not one who went to serve in the green. He did not set a course to treat Viet Nam Vets, but, ironically, was in his own way drafted to do so. Since that day when he was drafted to speak for Vietnam Veterans of America, Ed has served on the front lines—courageously walking point toward healing, toward knowing and living with what one of the Viet Nam Vets calls The Beast: The Beast that lives inside all who have known war.
Can you learn to know it—do you have the courage to look it in the eye and acknowledge it? Can you come to a place, a place Veterans of combat know only too well, where you can at least begin to understand this truth:
There is an undercurrent in Sacred Mountain: Encounters with the Vietnam Beast, also in Dr. Tick's War and the Soul, and that speaks to the fact that we cannot resolve the overwhelming problems of our Veterans, then or now, until we acknowledge that we do all we can as non-participants, consciously or unconsciously, to refuse to even try to know the truths of war.
War is a monster and we prefer to hide from it in the dark of our own ignorance. Yet, as we well know, no monster can be challenged, or defeated, until we bring it out into the light and face it head, soul, and heart on.
Sacred Mountain: Encounters with the Vietnam Beast is the first in a series of books which we will discuss here that tell the story of Dr. Tick's continuing journey to bring peace to the minds, hearts, and souls of all who serve for us, usually without any signs of national gratitude, concern, or care.
His words in this book, the words of the Viet Nam Veterans with whom he has worked, are relevant today to those who are serving now, who served in Desert Storm, who, indeed, have served in any combat zone where death is omnipresent, friends are lost, civilians die, the trappings of civilization lie in smoldering ruins, and duffel bags come home filled with PTSD, TBI, and a thousand other injuries at mind, soul, heart, and body level.
What can you do to help Veterans? You can read Sacred Mountain: Encounters with the Vietnam Beast and War and the Soul. You can learn why we need to listen not only to what our Veterans can teach us, but to face our own reluctance to acknowledge the horror that war is.
Perhaps if we do those things, perhaps, we can learn to insist that war must be the last, not the first, resort to problems. Perhaps we can learn to insist when a war is not being properly managed, when it sucks in a continual blood sacrifice to its insatiable gods, that what is happening must be re-evaluated.
What can you do to help Veterans of all our wars? You can demand that your President and Congress adopt a just foreign policy in accordance both with our Constitution and all treaties to which were are signatories. You can refrain from jumping on bandwagons and demand adequate, rational, and honest intel. You can let the VA know that you insist that it provide the best care, with respect, with concern, and with celerity. Those who serve don't have to wait months to be sent into combat zones; they go when, and as often, as they are sent. It is simply not right, not decent, not moral, that they should have to wait for grudging care, or sent off to war too quickly and without absolute necessity.
Whenever you were during 'Nam, you were in some way part of that war—fighting it, supporting it, protesting it. It was in you, and still is now, just as our currrent wars are. We are a national family which has let issues and wars divide us. None of us can heal if we do not all open our eyes to the fact that, in country or at home, when your country is at war, indeed as it is now, you are at war—voluntarily or not—all of it becomes a part of you because whether you are fighting it, or supporting it, or protesting it, ITS HORRORS BELONG TO YOU TOO.
Veterans know that; as civilians we must come to the place where we know, acknowledge and accept that awful weight.
Perhaps the day we take our heads out of the sand and face that Beast, not just here, but world wide, we will learn to begin to chose life. Perhaps if we listen to our Veterans, as Dr. Tick does in Sacred Mountain, we will hear them talking with us about that verity. Can we learn to see in the dark underground that they know? Can we learn that even there, especially there, there are sacred places?
Words have power, for what is right, or for what is wrong. Let Dr. Tick's inspire you for what is right, for what is sorely needed in reference to how can you serve Veterans now. You can help serve their needs by demanding, without hesitation or compromise, that they have earned the right to the care they have been promised. You can hold General Shinseki. to his promise to see to this at the VA You can hold our new President responsible for this.
You can hold democracy, and keep the promise we make to those who serve, in your hands and use your voices. You can begin to understand this:
I truly don't see how you could not want to help those we have sent to war—they are family, they are us—after reading : Sacred Mountain:Encounters with the Vietnam Beast Volume One: 1979—1984. and War and the Soul.
Courage has been defined as showing up, no matter what. They showed up in hell; can you show up now for them?
Keith Olbermann: Eight Years in Eight Minutes. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, at Truthout Bush Years: 8 in 8 Minutes.
Barack Obama: Organizing America. Remy Benoit
Barack Obama: A Personal Message.
Get Afghanistan Right. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Get Afghanistan Right Week Uncovers Significant Dissent on Planned Escalation.
44 United States Presidents. Remy Benoit
At You Tube 44 US Presidents - George Washington to Barack Obama.
"This Land Is Your Land" Like Woody Wrote It. Remy Benoit
At Truthout, from Tommy Stevenson, Tuscaloosa NewsThis Land Is Your Land" Like Woody Wrote It.
Inauguration Day!. Remy Benoit
Live video cast from The Washington Post Inauguration Live Video Coverage
Live Web video coverage anchored by The Washington Post 's political team.
In a democracy the voice of the People counts, but only if they use it.
Obama Inaugural Address. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC 'Time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit'.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Our response to, our support of, these words will make, or break, who we are. It is always all in the choices we make. Welcome to the new White House.
From The Washington Monthly What Obama
Should Read Twenty-five books the new president should have by his bedside.
There are some very interesting, very caring people on the board of this group, including Rocky Anderson, former Salt Lake City Mayor, Elie Weisel who was rescued from a concentration camp, and one who I am pretty sure was a high school classmate of mine. High Road for Human Rights. As Rabbi Hillel once said, 'If not now when? If not by me, by whom?'
From Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Nation Tone and Challenge in the Obama Era.
At The Nation from Peter Rothberg Pete Seeger for the Nobel.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Historical Mystery of Bush's Presidency.
May God Bless Us All.
Center for Public Integrity: Broken Government. Remy Benoit
From the Center for Public Integrity Our Broken Government.
Broken Government by the Numbers.
From Michael Winship at Truthout Inauguration Day Is Time to Move On.
From Jim Abrams, the AP, at The Baltimore Sun Senate OKs 6 Cabinet secretaries, budget director, delays Clinton vote.
Perhaps we need to watchdog Cabinet Positions more carefully. This is a scary reminder of that from last April at Think Progress Chertoff Says Fingerprints Aren’t ‘Personal Data’. Also, from Spencer S. Hsu at the Washington Post, 2/12/06 Katrina Report Spreads Blame Homeland Security, Chertoff Singled Out. Mention of this just had to be used as a "trailer" here.
We must demand more than this of our leaders. We must be leaders of our country too.
Obama Rejects Bush Era. Remy Benoit
From David E. Sanger, NY Times, at MSNBC Obama rejects Bush era, seeks to reclaim values President dwelled on choices U.S. faces, not momentousness of ascension.
The question remains still if the mass media will begin to play its real role in reporting the real news instead of mouthing officialdom, dipping frequently into yellow journalism, and bombarding us with momentary celebrity claptrap? There again, we have the choice—buy newspapers that print news; turn off TV stations that mouth self-aggrandizing name calling and divisiveness.
From Michael Parenti, Common Dreams, Capitalism's Self-Inflicted Apocalypse: Plutocracy vs. Democracy.
From Robert Scheer, TruthDig, at Common Dreams Time to Get to Work.
Iraq and Afganistan Veterans, PLUS. Remy Benoit
From Brandon Friedman at Vet Voice Numbers: The Challenge Ahead.
"America's Song". Remy Benoit
At You Tube "America's Song" featuring Will.I.am, David Foster, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Seal and Bono!2009.
Freedom of Information. Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News
Obama Frees Bush Historical Records.
Obama ends concept of limitless war. Remy Benoit
From Dana Priest, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Bush's 'war on terror' comes to a sudden end.
William Rivers Pitt: First Steps on a Long Road. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout First Steps on a Long Road.
My fellow Americans:
Three days from now, after half a century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.
This evening I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen.
Like every other citizen, I wish the new President, and all who will labor with him, Godspeed. I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all.
Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the Nation.
My own relations with the Congress, which began on a remote and tenuous basis when, long ago, a member of the Senate appointed me to West Point, have since ranged to the intimate during the war and immediate post-war period, and, finally, to the mutually interdependent during these past eight years.
In this final relationship, the Congress and the Administration have, on most vital issues, cooperated well, to serve the national good rather than mere partisanship, and so have assured that the business of the Nation should go forward. So, my official relationship with the Congress ends in a feeling, on my part, of gratitude that we have been able to do so much together.
II.
We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.
III.
Throughout America's adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad.
Progress toward these noble goals is persistently threatened by the conflict now engulfing the world. It commands our whole attention, absorbs our very beings. We face a hostile ideology -- global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose, and insidious in method. Unhappily the danger is poses promises to be of indefinite duration. To meet it successfully, there is called for, not so much the emotional and transitory sacrifices of crisis, but rather those which enable us to carry forward steadily, surely, and without complaint the burdens of a prolonged and complex struggle -- with liberty the stake. Only thus shall we remain, despite every provocation, on our charted course toward permanent peace and human betterment.
Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties. A huge increase in newer elements of our defense; development of unrealistic programs to cure every ill in agriculture; a dramatic expansion in basic and applied research -- these and many other possibilities, each possibly promising in itself, may be suggested as the only way to the road we wish to travel.
But each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs -- balance between the private and the public economy, balance between cost and hoped for advantage -- balance between the clearly necessary and the comfortably desirable; balance between our essential requirements as a nation and the duties imposed by the nation upon the individual; balance between actions of the moment and the national welfare of the future. Good judgment seeks balance and progress; lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration.
The record of many decades stands as proof that our people and their government have, in the main, understood these truths and have responded to them well, in the face of stress and threat. But threats, new in kind or degree, constantly arise. I mention two only.
IV.
A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction.
Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peacetime, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea.
Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.
Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades.
In this revolution, research has become central; it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government.
Today, the solitary inventor, tinkering in his shop, has been overshadowed by task forces of scientists in laboratories and testing fields. In the same fashion, the free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity. For every old blackboard there are now hundreds of new electronic computers.
The prospect of domination of the nation's scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present
and is gravely to be regarded.
Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientifictechnological elite.
It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system -- ever aiming toward the supreme goals of our free society.
V.
Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element of time. As we peer into society's future, we -- you and I, and our government -- must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.
VI.
Down the long lane of the history yet to be written America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.
Such a confederation must be one of equals. The weakest must come to the conference table with the same confidence as do we, protected as we are by our moral, economic, and military strength. That table, though scarred by many past frustrations, cannot be abandoned for the certain agony of the battlefield.
Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war -- as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years -- I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.
Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But, so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road.
VII.
So -- in this my last good night to you as your President -- I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and peace. I trust that in that service you find some things worthy; as for the rest of it, I know you will find ways to improve performance in the future.
You and I -- my fellow citizens -- need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice. May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nation's great goals.
To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America's prayerful and continuing aspiration:
We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.
The Inauguration 2009 from the air. Remy Benoit
From Popsci Com 2009 Inauguration. The "dark masses" are people; read the article.
Ed W. Freeman U.S. Army Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Remy Benoit
I received an e-mail from a Viet Nam Veteran this morning about Captain Freeman, U.S. Army Ret. (Air Mobile)who passed on last August 20th. This article is at MSNBC, from last July—The words and photos are courtesy of Artisan Books, publishers of
As Sgt. Mikie Pectol 2/77th FA Vietnam. pointed out, we make big news of the demise of celebrities, but not of our heroes who come into hot LZ's and save lives.
If you have someone you consider a hero, with us or gone on ahead, do feel free to send your message to me honoring him or her. We will be happy to share your words with the world.
To all of you on the front lines, take care. We will do our best to continue to try to get you the care you deserve. To those of you at home, face up to the truth of their neglect, and this is a good place to start with that. Eric Newhouse: Faces of Combat,, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
God Bless.
Can you help save handmade toys?. Remy Benoit
From the Homemade Toy Alliance Handmade Toy Alliance:Help Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA Who Are We?
Remember MADE IN THE USA?
Go for it—we must re-tool, build factories, and get back to making it in the States—not later, now!
And we can do it GREEN!
Phillip Butler, PhD.: To Support and Defend: A Message to US Senators and Representatives. Remy Benoit
From Phillip Butler, Ph.D. at Truthout To Support and Defend: A Message to US Senators and Representatives.
At Military.com Phillip Butler Archives.
Bob Herbert: More Than Charisma. Remy Benoit
From Bob Herbert, NY Times at Common Dreams More Than Charisma. Do note the comments that come after this editorial.
President Obama is yet to be tested. Substance and actions are, indeed, more than words, and we must see what those actions are.
One cannot solve problems with the same attitudes that caused them in the first place. There will be many in Congress who attempt to stand in the way of standing up for our Constitution, for rebuilding our infrastructure, for getting back to "MADE IN THE USA," for a decent and viable wage, for controlling corporate greed, for prosecuting those who have done so much harm.
Obama does not have a job to be envied—he has taken on a huge reponsibility; now we shall see what his response is to what the American people want, rather than what entrenched "me firsters" want. We shall see what he and General Shinseki do for our Veterans.
If we truly believe "that all men are created equal" then all across the country we must stand up for that. Corporations cannot be more equal; lobbyists cannot be more equal; those who wish to invalidate our Constitution cannot be more equal; those who illegally profit from wars cannot be more equal; those who think war before diplomacy cannot be more equal.
If you believe that those who are responsible for the problems we face today should be held accountable...
If you hold "these truths to be self-evident" then let the new President know that at the White House.
Let your Representatives and Senators know that at
Contacting Congress.
If not now, when?
Joe Galloway: It's time to choose right over wrong. Remy Benoit
Joe Galloway, Mc Clatchy Press, It's time to choose right over wrong.
Eric Newhouse: Faces of Combat: PTSD and TBI. Remy Benoit
Crusading Journalists are the Knights of the Fourth Estate—the men and women reporting life as it is, with all its real struggles, with all its hardships, wins, losses, glories, and failures.
Crusading Journalists do not numb you in platitudes, yellow journalism, or celebrity self-indulgences and lack of self-respect. Nor are they out to fill corporate profits, or to sew gold linings on parachutes for just a handful who can't even seem to conceive of what the idea of enough is.
Crusading Journalists reach out—spark your mind, ignite your compassion, make you get up and do something about something that, or someone who, matters.
Pulitzer Prize winner, Eric Newhouse has a story to tell you. It is not a once upon a time story; it is a story of NOW and HOW our Veterans are being neglected. It is a must read story for everyone.
Join Eric at Eric Newhouse. The Net is our new Chautauqua. Pull up a chair, catch the fresh breeze of a Crusading Journalist, and then invite a friend to join you and him for some real eye opening on what isn't right in the U.S.A. when it comes to our Veterans.
Then, perhaps, you can send a note to the new head of the VA., General Shinseki, to President Obama, to the Congress and remind them that you are there for our Veterans and want the best of everything for them—just like they gave their best for US.
Obama Reaches Out to Muslim World. Remy Benoit
From The Staff at MSNBC Obama reaches out to Muslim world on TV President tells Al-Arabiya U.S. will listen, not dictate in Mideast conflict.
VCS to VA Secretary Shinseki. Remy Benoit
From Veterans for Common Sense VCS Urges VA Secretary Shinseki to Grant Presumption of PTSD Benefits Based on Scientific Research.
Torture and Consequences. Remy Benoit
From Steve Weissman at Truthout But What If Torture Works?.
How to Break a Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq by Matthew Alexander and John Bruning.
Willilam Rivers Pitt: America Needs a Job. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout America Needs a Job.
Perhaps Congress members should give back their paychecks if they can't get the job done? Perhaps they should give back their health insurance if they can't get the job done? Perhaps they should give back their pensions?
This is a time for the People to speak up, to back efforts to get the work done to get jobs. Too many people are hurting; too many people are without jobs.
If you care about that, if you care about the issues facing our soldiers, then use your voice.
Contacting Congress.
Drop by the online White House. and check into the plans of the new President. Send him your thoughts.
Let's go Down History Lane with ILGWU at You Tube Look for the Union Label. My grandmother belonged to this Union! When was the last time you looked for the Union Label; when was the last time you could find something that was made here? Tell Congress about that. We need to see, MADE IN THE USA.
We need tool and dye makers; we need our infrastructure rebuilt; we still need post-Katrina rebuilding here in Louisiana.
Maybe we need to go the "trust busting" way of Teddy Roosevelt? From NW Magazine Online Trust Busting.
Maybe we should ask our Senators and Representatives when was the last time they went to the market and found the price of cheese up more than 50%? Perhaps they could explain why that is? Perhaps we Senior Citizens should ask them how they expect people to manage meds that fall into "donut holes?" Perhaps we should ask them to go to the market and buy a dose of the reality of the rest of the country!
Engineers give roads, other public works a 'D'. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Engineers give roads, other public works a 'D'.
Blackwater Barred From Iraq ?. Remy Benoit
From Sinan SaIaheddin, the AP, at Common Dreams Iraq Bars Blackwater, Tarnished by Civilian Deaths.
Just Foreign and Domestic Policy. Remy Benoit
Drop by and visit with the staff at Just Foreign Policy. to find the news that is not making it to your TV.
What we see, for instance, on travel videos does not truly reflect the true internal and external situation of a country.
Sit back and let's go visit some places where things look good, but are riddled by conflict, poverty, corruption—where the poor live on the streets, where women have no rights, where Veterans have no place to go and no help to be found for indeterminate periods of time. Start digging for the truth
Homeless Veterans Speak Out. 200,000 is a low estimate here in the USA. Like many of us, Pulitzer Prize winning Crusading Journalist, Eric Newhouse, sees this problem in its reality. See what he and Montana are doing about it here; learn what you and your state can do for our Veterans. Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans. Montana makes me proud that my Granny came from there! Knowing that many of our Veterans cannot afford to buy a book, please ask your local library to do that for them.
Philippines.
October 28, 2008—Jaro (Iloilo) Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo:
Phillippines Most Corrupt Country in Asia—Overpriced Projects, Election Manipulation, Bribery.
The Real New York City - Insight into Homelessness.
The New Face of Homelessness in Las Vegas.
What are the underlying reasons for all these problems? Citizen apathy and denial; corruption where there should be leadership.
Can we change that? Of course, we can simply by speaking up for what is real and doing something about it, rather than accepting glitter and denial. By demanding more of ourselves, we then demand more of our governments.
Joe Galloway: Commentary on Bankers. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Newspapers Bank robbers in Oxxford suits and Mercedes limos.
Katie Couric: The Hidden Casualties of War. Remy Benoit
From Katie Couric, CBS, at Veterans for Common Sense The Hidden Casualties of War.
IPS: Opposition to Obama Withdrawl Plan. Remy Benoit
From Gareth Porter, the Inter Press News Service US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision.
Also from the IPS and Julio Godoy RIGHTS: Call to Try Bush.
IAVA: Support for Veterans and Military Families in the 2009 Stimulus Proposal. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA Support for Veterans and Military Families in the 2009 Stimulus Proposal.
Lonnie D. Story: THE CRIES OF A MOTHER'S HEART . Remy Benoit
Lonnie D. Story is a Veteran and a prolific writer. He is a man who knows, a man who cares. His research on the impact of depleted uranium on our troops has been thorough, very thorough. I hope shortly to be able to bring you the annoucement for the publication of his very important book:
You may read my review of his The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.at The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg.
For today, Lonnie D. Story brings you:
"Dear Lonnie I read your story on Dustin Brim. And my heart cried out- Finally someone is talking about the way my son and others died. My son SGT. Jason Henderson was also a mechanic on humvees, serving his 2nd tour. When he became sick in kuwait. They told him he just had heartburn. This went on for 3 months till they finally sent him to Germany where they diagnosed him with stage 4 cancer. After sending him to Walter Reed. I noticed the entire 7th floor is full of soldiers sent there from Iraq with cancer ... The Doctors at Walter Reed said we must have cancer in the family, We do not!!!! After three weeks of tests they sent my son home to die. I just could not believe this was happening to my son who was very healthy before this. Jason was always very concerned about living a healthy lifestyle. He never drank or smoked. He was devoted to martial arts winning awards in army Tae Kwon Do tournaments, and kickboxing. We wanted a second opinion so we took Jason to Stanford Medical center. It was there that the Chief oncologist told us he "Had never seen a case so advanced " And that this was without a doubt chemical exposure...
we were told there was nothing we could do but they offered chemo anyway. Jason was a fighter so started chemo treatments. My son lasted only 4 more months. On July 20th 2005 We lost our battle to save our wonderful son. Two months later my husband died. I need to find a way to help other parents by trying to stop anymore deaths from DU... Thank you for listening. Heartbroken mother, Jana Bell"
There are a lot of things we endure in life, in fact, it is written in the Bible, in the words of Jesus: Mathew 24:13,14 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved, and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come." For many years of my life I had heard that message preached and taught as if it were saying that once the Gospel (the good news of Christ's salvation offer) was preached to the ends of the earth that the end would come; the return of the Messiah. One day, many years ago, I picked up my bible and read that passage again and it leaped off the page to me. The statement starting in vs. 13 and then continuing into vs. 14 with a very important key; the conjunction "And.." then the word "This.." This gospel, what gospel, or "good news" as the word implies "shall be preached to the whole world? The good news that the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved,... That was a very life-impacting statement to me personally. It was the message of endurance. The message that most people don't want to hear, and that is something I can understand. Who truly likes to "endure" things? The mere mention of the word endurance elicits thoughts of pain, suffering and hidden fears. Another statement by Jesus was that "he who endures...on account of my name." referring to great reward is a promise of not only assurance, but, reassurance. This being said, certainly endurance does have many rewards, honors and even pleasures in the end. What success is there without much endurance, in most cases?
Nonetheless, there are some things that just don't seem to fit. In fact, some things are not meant to be endured. These are the things that fall under the label of Unjust, Illegal, Corrupt, Evil, Wrong, Ungodly and Fruitless. Sufferings such as hunger, poverty, sickness and disease are things we as the human race must often endure no matter one's opinion on the justice of that fact. However, in the aforementioned, Unjust, Corrupt, Evil, etc., these endurances do not result in reward for the person afflicted, rather it is pain, heartache and suffering unimaginable. For Jana, in the letter above, the reader can, if they truly have a heart, feel some of the pain and sorrow. Personally, it was heart-wrenching and re-ignited a fire in me that has been burning for a long time. It isn't the first, nor will it be the last, time that I receive such correspondence. As I continue down this path set before me, I continue to pray and seek guidance that somehow, someway and by God's grace and mercy, maybe soon, this gospel will be preached to the ends of the world. The gospel I preach: "He who hears the cries of a mother's heart will listen, learn and love and cease from all wrong and evil doing. He who hears the cry of a mother's heart will be broken in heart themselves and share the burden, share the load and strive to change things so that our children's children will not hear that same cry anymore."
I know it is altruistic and sounds wonderful, soothing and yet, highly improbable or even impossible, but, I draw from that gospel, preach that gospel and one by one, I trust some do hear and make changes. In our political world today, many people have heard that word a lot and it has brought a renewed global hope. Just maybe, someone will read this article and the excerpt below and be moved to action to stop, at least, this one unnecessary evil. Stop the cries of the heart's of many other mothers yet to be heard before they happen. In doing so, we must first and foremost, stop our government from using depleted uranium on our own troops, innocent lives and remove this poison from our weapons of war and from our planet. We must stop the media from ignoring the cries of the hearts of these mothers that already exist. Stop the talk shows from ignoring our pleas, unstop the ears of the public and move on, press forward to enlighten, educate and liberate while it is not too late. Listen once more, one more time. Listen closely as you read this excerpt from my manuscript, the yet unpublished book "Without A Shot Fired: The Dustin Brim Story" hear this mother's cry.
"On September 24, 2004, Lori walked the hallways at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the last time. Her face was swollen and puffy. Her eyes red and blurred. Her speech was hindered, halting and shaky. Her body trembled uncontrollably through to the tips of her reddened hands. Hands that had been gripped all night in a clasp of prayers. Prayers that she could no longer pray. A decision had come and it would be far from her hopes, pleadings and tears. There wasn't any more reason to go on like this, no more needles, no more chemicals, no more tests, no more pain and no more suffering. Not for herself, but, for her son. It was time to let Dustin go.
As Lori approached the room, a darkness fell all around her. She could no longer see the lights in the hallway. She no longer felt the cool air breezing through or sense the presence of the other travelers down this pathway. No doctors, no nurses, no friends or family were noticed, her mind had taken hold of her decision, hers alone and all other things outside and around were frozen out, cast into utter darkness.
Lori's hands pushed the door open as she entered the room and she took one more deep breath to steel herself to do the impossible; the most painful, indescribable decision she had ever made or ever would have to make in her life. She had come into this room to tell her only son, the son she loved more than life itself, the son that she had given birth to with so much joy and hope only 22 short years before; this son, her son, her Dusty, her angel, she had to tell him to let go, stop fighting, all the opposites of the things she had told him for the past six months. Here she was, with this unbearable truth; she had to tell her own son it was time to die.
As cruel as that may sound, it was a mother's plea, a mother's cry from her heart to stop the pain. Stop the suffering of her only child. It wasn't fair and it wasn't good, it was time to end the battle. A battle lost on the battlefield of a hospital that started on the battlefields of a far off place in the Middle East called Iraq. The battlefields where her son, this son, her Dusty had succumbed to a poisonous evil brought about by no war of her choosing nor of her child. It was a war brought by others and for their own reasons, good or bad.
Dustin was only a part of it, a small part to most and many; but that too would change in the near future. But here in this room, here and now, Dustin was hearing his final orders. No longer the instructions of those that commanded him while serving in the Army, serving his country, serving in Iraq, serving his fellow soldiers, this command was from the voice he had known all his life. The voice he loved, the voice that always brought assurances, peace, consolation and unselfish, unconditional love. This voice was whispering in his ear and he recognized it, knew it, believed it and understood, as sad as it was, it was right.
"Dustin, let go, honey. Dustin, don't fight anymore, baby. Go home. Go home to Jesus. Your going to heaven now, baby, mommy will see you soon. Be at rest, sweetheart. Rest now, Dustin. Go on ahead, son. Don't fight it anymore. I love you, baby. Mommy loves you so, so very much. Honey, let go."
And, with those words, that morning of September 24, 2004, Dustin Michael Brim, breathed his last breath. He relented, he relaxed and rested. He had lost the battle, the battle he had fought so hard and so bravely. Not a battle in Iraq or any other place, but, a battle within his own body, a war against death and it was lost. It was over, at least, for Dustin and for Lori. For all the people that knew him and loved him, this battle was over, the war was ending in surrender to death. One thing remained; a commitment. Lori's swearing oath to her son and herself: Dustin's death will not be the death of his memory or his life lived. Dustin's death would not be in vain. This never had to happen. It should not have happened and no other mother should have to cry the tears she cried, feel the pain Dustin endured nor fight this unnecessary and cruel conflict. If it had been a bullet or a bomb, Lori would have somehow understood. Maybe there could have been a little more peace, a little more closure. Instead, she was robbed. She was emotionally raped and murdered along side her son.
What had happened to Dustin, in all her heart she believed, was all from wrongdoing, evil and unjust. Her son was poisoned by something on that battlefield in Iraq and she would not rest until she got answers. Months earlier a nurse had told her secretively and at her own peril, to look into the subject of depleted uranium on the Internet. Now, with Dustin at rest and gone, she would re-ignite her determination to find the answers to the mystery. The mystery of some previously unheard of stuff called depleted uranium.
For now though, there was only one thing left in this world; her wounded, battered, beaten and sullen heart. A heart that had no place to turn, no place to heal. She simply sat by the bed, having leaned over with her final words to her son, she sat and cried. She sat silently sobbing. Crying all the pain out from her heart. A broken heart never to know true joy and peace on earth again.
Down the hall, that day, and in days to come, many more mothers would cry the same tears and their hearts, too, would yield their souls to anguish. From that floor filled with cancer patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center there would lift an echo. Around the world the echo would lift and unite, an echo that needed to pierce the hearts and minds of those that played a part in so much pain and misery. Each reaching out and pleading to anyone and everyone that would listen, listen to the cry of a mother's heart."
93 year old freezes to death in his home. Remy Benoit
From Tom Gilchrist, Bay City Times Autopsy: Bay City man froze inside his home.
This has been a rough winter in oh so many ways, one of them weather. Neighbors need to watch over neighbors, and companies need to check out what the impact of what they are doing has at a human level. It is simply what is the right thing to do, the human thing to do. No one should be left alone to die in this terrible way.
Senator Bernie Sanders to Majority Leader Harry Reid. Remy Benoit
Accountability for banks.
RE: Extending jurisdiction and authority of TARP Oversight Committee.
TBI. Remy Benoit
From the University at Buffalo at Veterans for Common Sense TBI News: VA Estimated 150,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Diagnosed with Brain Damage.
Course Change in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Pentagon study: Change course in Afghanistan.
From Normon Solomon at Truthout Why Are We Still at War?.
From Andrew Bacevich at Newsweek Winning In Afghanistan Victory there won't look like you think. Time to get out and give up on nation building.
Veteran Care, or Lack Thereof. Remy Benoit
I am sending you to The Nation archives for articles by Joshua Kors on How our Veterans are being treated.
For more, this is the place to go with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Eric Newhouse. Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
For those of you who are buried in red tape, try this Had It. Veteran to Veteran. Here's their number if you are in an extreme state: Veterans Suicide Hot Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) You aren't alone!
If you are a returning disabled Veteran, there is help here for you. Hire Heroes USA.
Visit with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. at You Tube.
You may also consult with this book that I had the privilege of editing. Britta Reque-Dragicevic:Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War.
President Obama: Economic Recovery. Remy Benoit
President Obama: Economic Recovery.
Jeremy Scahill: Leaving Iraq, Chasing Pirates?. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams, Jeremy Scahill Leaving Iraq, Chasing Pirates?
January: More suicide than combat deaths. Remy Benoit
Perhaps we should catch on that our soldiers are trying to tell us something?
From Pauline Jelinek, AP, at Truthout Army Reports Alarming Spike in Suicides Last Month.
If you care enough to find out why; if you care enough to stand up for your soliders, start with these three books:
Dave Grossman—On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society.
What we don't seem to "get" is that no one comes back, if they are fortunate enough to come back, from war the same. There are reasons for this. Please, please learn what they are and what you can do to help those who we send into combat. It is absolutely the right thing to do.
Review: Eric Newhouse: Faces of Combat: PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans. Remy Benoit
Sometimes, sometimes we are greatly blessed by the right voice, the right words, the right book at the right time.
Pulitzer Prize winning, Crusading Journalist, Eric Newhouse has graced us with such a gift at the absolutely right time with his Faces of Combat, PTSD & TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
January 2009 presented us with the horror our soldiers face in war, and in coming home, with the simple fact that more of them committed suicide than died in combat. Take a moment, please, and let those words sink in—more deaths by their own hand than by IED's, than by bullets and bombs.
That fact is an indictment of us, each and everyone on us who endorses sending women and men to war and then ignoring their overwhelming needs in country and when they come home.
To fight a war you must designate an enemy. To have soldiers present themselves to combat you must stir up something that will enable them to confront and, yes, kill, another human being. That something is anger—anger than once turned on is very hard to turn off.
War is, by its very nature, destruction—leveling the civilized work of centuries—ending human life, not only of the soldiers of the enemy, but of those elderly, women, and children that we so euphemistically call collateral damage.
We, hopefully, raise our young to a standard of morality taught by their culture, instilled in them by their religious training. When they are on the field of combat, and in today's wars that field is just about everywhere they are, with just about no real downtime, that training is catastrophically challenged by the intense need to stay alive. Their entire code of conduct, code of ethics, training of what is right, what is wrong, is turned upside down. They will see things, have to do things, that are the stuff of nightmares, of that proverbial monster lurking at the top of the stairs, under the bed, in the basement of everything diabolical that terrifies us as humans.
We ask them to go into the unknown, to drive down roads blistered with IED's.
We ask them to go into private homes searching for the enemy—private homes with children in them, just like their own.
We ask them to pick up and bag pieces, brain matter, of their closest buddies, of civilians, of enemy soldiers.
We ask them to suffer Traumatic Brain Injury quietly, and to not speak of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for fear of repercussions, losing benefits, and social and military stigma.
We ask them to not question the long term impact of Agent Orange, or Depleted Uranium on their bodies, and possibly the bodies of their still unborn children.
We ask them to do a thousand other soul wrenching things and then within just a few hours they are back in the world and asked to get up, have their cup of coffee, and get on with life.
War is insanity; asking them to leave that irrational world and come back and slip back into civilian skin, heart, and soul is irrational. It is also unkind, exploitive, and deadly.
Such is the story, such is the reality, the Eric Newhouse presents us in Faces of Combat, PTSD & TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans. as he gives us, word by word, page by heart rending page, the real stories, the sleeping and waking nightmares, of what has bored into those who know, up close and personal, war.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse and LEARN.
Learn what happens when that anger, denial, pain, terror, loss come home and have no outlets but self, the community, co-workers, and nuclear families.
Learn the fear of forgetting because forgetting might just make you forget the buddy who died bleeding out in your arms; or who scattered into pieces on the ground around you; who splattered onto you.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and feel the frustration of months and months and months of waiting, pleading, red-taping their way through to try to find help from the VA.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and feel the bullets they eat, the cars they crash, the drugs and the alcohol they down in desperate attempts to end, or at least momentarily quiet, the never ending pain and begin to realize that by our not being there for them, by our not assiduously insisting on immediate, professional, and respectful treatment for their physical, mental, emotional, and soul wounds that we are part of the stuff of their nightmares.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and understand the impact of these current wars on National Guard troops who probably never expected to be in any county other than this one—and learn how being deployed, redeployed, and possibly redeployed again has impacted on these people.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and learn what it is to be a female soldier who lives with fear of rape from her own comrades in arms.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and learn what happens when the given underlying causation of the war, the thing that made the cause righteous, is undermined by the unveiling of the less than righteous statements that caused them to be there in the first place.
Sit down with Mr. Newhouse's words and feel what the apathy of the public does to the gut of a soldier.
I know, you're busy. Well, so are they—pulling sixteen hour shifts, with no place safe to rest—pulling sixteen hour shifts where the temps are 140 F, or -3F. They are busy, wearing Kevlar, hoping that their Humvees are or will be armored, and they will not die because they are not properly supplied. They are busy pulling sixteen hour shifts, deployed for whatever numbered time, watching uncontrolled private contractors pull down salaries way, way beyond theirs while they lose homes, wives, children, and their own personal mental, physical, and spiritual stability. Think about this—there but for the grace of no draft, go you.
Is there a way out of this? If the damage is physical, if the war wounds are neurological, if the war wounds are spiritual, can we help to heal them? Montana thinks so, Mr. Newhouse thinks so, and tells you about the changes in Veteran care in his state—about their successes, about their learning what works and what doesn't—about their problems with the entrenched and often abysmal bureaucracy of the VA they come up against.
Do your homework—LEARN, help, write to Senators, to your Representatives, to your President, to General Shinseki at the VA and insist that we do 100% of what is right for our Veterans. If you do your homework—if you help clear away the mess and smoke of war—if you make sure no war is fought without real justification—you will be helping their coming HOME WORK for them.
And remember this, something we so blatantly forget—the troops, in country or coming home, are US. They are not separate from us—they are our daughters, our sons, our wives, our husbands, our mothers and fathers.
By saving our Veterans, we save ourselves. We save America from a new wave of alcoholism and drug addiction. We save this country from increasing divorce and joblessness and homelessness. We save families from the violence that boils over; violence that causes additional suffering from war related post traumatic stress disorder.
We ease the burden on our jails and prisons.
It's a lesson we should have learned after 7 million Veterans came home from Viet Nam four decades ago and were allowed to fall, were often pushed through, the cracks—without compassion, without justice, without us there for them.
Learn it.
Say it—Never again!
This time we are here for you—for all of you—and we demand that it be made right for you.
AP Calls for more access to Military Ops. Remy Benoit
From John Hanna, AP, at Truthout AP CEO Urges Better Press Access to Military Ops
Editorial—The Nation: Don't Escalate in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the Editors of The Nation Don't Escalate in Afghanistan.
Dr. Andrew J. Bacevich American Empire: The Realities and Consequences of U.S. Diplomacy. Excerpt.
At Amazon American Empire: The Realities and Consequences of U.S. Diplomacy.
Bio: Dr. Andrew J. Bacevich, Colonel, U.S. Army ( Ret.).
Questions on increasing troops in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Anne Flaherty, AP, at Common Dreams Antiwar Lawmakers Wary of Adding Troops in Afghanistan
Some want to see clear exit strategy before escalation.
UK—giving two legs in service is not enough?. Remy Benoit
This came to me from a Falklands Island Veteran, UK, Tony McNally Joe Townsend Noels HQ.
A multi-amuputee Marine Commando Vet would be an inconvenience to the vicinity in building a bungalow? Please, what reality is that? The community should be out there building it for him, with the local Council helping, and serving tea!
Shame on them!
You may visit with Tony McNally at Rogue-Gunner.
If our governments won't provide for our Veterans, then we must stand up and make sure that they do.
If not now, when?
What the voice of the people can do!. Remy Benoit
Yesterday we reported that twenty-year old Joe Townsend, UK, Marine Commando had lost both his legs in service in Afghanistan. Joe was being denied permission to have a specially appointed bungalow built on his grandparents property.
Today we are happy to report that Joe will have his special bungalow in East Sussex, and the gratitude of his community. From MSNBC, UK Disabled soldier's home approved.
Veterans will have what they need when you speak up. Do it, today!
Your country needs you!. Remy Benoit
President Obama, Treasury Secretary Geithner, and the Stimulus Plan. At MSNBC Obama: Stimulus needed to avoid 'catastrophe' President tells nation Congress must act quickly to fix 'full-blown crisis'.
Listening to Secretary Geithner, I did not hear anything about putting a cap on usurious credt card rates. That is something Congress has been constantly told needs fixing. Tell them to listen up and do the right thing for the American people, indeed, for the world. Their record of action needs improving—if they had acted, if the previous administration had acted, we would not be in this position. Contacting Congress.
Also in the news at MSNBC from the AP Iran's president says talks with U.S. possible Washington and Tehran severed relations after the 1979 Iranian revolution. It is imperative that diplomacy always be used before arms. It is imperative that our representatives to foreign countries speak the language, know the religion, understand the ways of the culture. If they do not they open up misinterpretations of how words are used and what they mean to different people. Iran and our relations are strained. They need to be opened to discussion. Much re-thinking needs to be done about Afghanistan, one of the poorest countries of the world, before more troops are committed.
Congress represents you; your President represents you. If you do not guide them with your thoughts, you cannot complain that they are not following righteous paths. White House.
America is a can do country—we have come together before, and we need to come together again with an intensity even beyond that of WWII.
I give you a suggested reading from a man who we have recently lost; a man who was subjected to the blacklisting of our wretched era of McCarthyism; a man who was a great American. From Studs Terkel Hope Dies Last: Keeping the Faith in Troubled Times.
As Maslow pointed out, it is not about what happens to you, it is about what you do with that. The question is, will you be a summer soldier and the sunshine patriot or will you dig into the necessary trenches and clean them out and go on—ever brighter; ever following the vision of Jefferson in his Declaration of Independence; ever the Beacon on the Hill, our brightness judged by our action rather than unfullfilled intentions.
The answer to that lies with each and everyone of us. We rejected taxation without representation. Why would be accept Golden Parachutes for some and home loss, job loss, soul loss for others? Why would we accept insufficient care for our Veterans? Why would we accept being barred from seeing their flag draped coffins come home? We owe them much and that includes respect and sharing with their loss, their injuries, with them and their families.
This land is our land if we claim it and the responsibility that goes with that claim. Yes, these are times that try mens' souls. What are you going to do about that? Thomas Paine.
It is time to stand up, America, in a massive grassroots movement to save the country. We did grow up, standing up, pledging Allegiance each and every school day. It is time to live up to that pledge. As the West Point Oath points out, it is the "harder right" that we need to choose. It won't be easy, but it is a can do. Remember, American ends in I Can. While the task ahead is huge, if we each choose our passion, speak for that passion, we can, we will, bring the changes, the compassion, the humanity we need to our government at home, and in its foreign policy. God Bless.
To urge you on, here are Pete Seeger and "The Boss" at YouTube This Land is Your Land.
Bring the National Guard Home?. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout States Push to Take Back National Guard.
Bring the Guard Home! It's the Law.
For information on the personal impact on Guard members sent to war outside the country, visit with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eric Newhouse in Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans.
Down History Lane: Take Me Back to the Sixties!. Remy Benoit
Did you ever think how large a role music plays in our lives? This should remind you. Enjoy!
A response to an Editorial on Stress. Remy Benoit
An Editorial in the Dayton Daily Times,Three things you can do to eliminate stress By Gregory Ramey, Ph.D. reprinted here in the Times Picayune was brought to my attention because the comparison of experience, of stress, between Band of Brothers, combat troops in WWII and a high school boy stressing over college was so totally unacceptable, and insensitive to those we send to war. Have some of us come so little forward to not recognize the making of, actual PTSD? With due respect, Dr. Ramey, may we bring other thoughts to your attention on the stress our soldiers know?
I forwarded the link to a few Veterans for their reaction to his Editorial. Your reactions to this Editorial are welcome, as are counter reactions by the author. Here, this morning, I present you with a reaction by a Special Forces Veteran, Lonnie D. Story.
Dear Mr. Ramey: I recently was forwarded a copy of your article/editorial in the Dayton Daily News under the date of January 25, 2009 regarding "stress." In the introductory paragraph you mentioned your "ten hours..watching Band of Brothers.." and then went on to altruistically ironize the lack of "stress" being mentioned by the interviewees. I too, have watched the series repeatedly. There are too many occasions to note when the men interviewed had to stop talking because of the internalized pain, suffering and God knows how many nightmares, flashbacks and tears. It is absurd to think that these men, whom you clearly state, witnessed unspeakable hardships, destruction and death and allude to the assumption they don't ascribe to having had stress.
PTSD is a very clear and evident problem among vets. I come from a long line of veterans in my family from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and my own combat experiences in four theatres.
Additionally, I personally wrote and published the biography of The Meeting of Anni Adams: The Butterfly of Luxembourg. and all that her family and country of Luxembourg endured under the Nazi regime and the war itself in their front and backyard. Your suggestion are valid for children and parents but to minimalize and even trivialize the stress of combat wounded (emotionally, physically and socially) is horribly disgraceful. As a professional with a PhD, you should re-exam and reconsider your words which others rely upon as medicinal in nature. It comes across as the same ol' hardcore Army, Marine, Navy answers "Suck it up, soldier and move on."
This answer has caused me to witness things I doubt very seriously you could even fathom. From an uncle with a heroin addiction formed in Vietnam and dying at a bar stool, a stepfather that still has night sweats from Tinian, Guam and other places seeing bodies of Marines floating in the water to my own personal experiences I rather save for a brother, another member of the "band of brothers" that I can talk to at the VA or on the street or over a beer. We hurt, we cry, we stress. We just don't let everyone see it so maybe you haven't noticed it. Our soldiers in and at war overseas and here at home should NOT be equated with the stress of a high-schooler, even though they too suffer, I would recommend you read my article Playground Politics. at Populist America website.
In closing, I am a highly decorated veteran having served in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Philippines. All my "decorations" are a menagarie of colors representing the kaleidoscope of nightmares I have on a nightly basis. I am glad my 83 year old stepfather and my good friend Anni Adams, aged 82 did not see your article. They most likely would have cried,..inside.
Mr. Lonnie D. Story
Sgt. U.S. Army
10th Special Forces
1981-1988, 2001.
Be aware: Credit Card Scam. Remy Benoit
Verified at Snopes Scammers ask for security code, already have credit card nunber, saying they are investigating possible fraud.
Do not give them your security code!
Yet another contract for KBR?. Remy Benoit
What does it take to do things right? Shouldn't we be absolutely sure that those companies who are in any way supplying our troops are living up to our codes 100%+?
From Kimberly Hefling, The AP, at Truthout KBR Wins Contract Despite Criminal Probe of Deaths.
Ted Englemann: Lest We Forget. Remy Benoit
From the Organization of American Historians, please join Viet Nam Veteran, photographer, lecturer, and historian Ted Englemann for Lest We Forget.
President Obama's Lincoln 200th Birthday. Remy Benoit
At You Tube President Obama's Speech Marking Lincoln's 200th Birthday.
House Passes Stimulus Plan With NO Republican Votes. Remy Benoit
From John Nichols, The Nation, at Common Dreams House Passes Stimulus With No GOP Votes.
From Jeremy Pelofsky and Richard Cowan, Reuters, at Truthout House Approves Stimulus Plan; Senate Vote Next.
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: It's time for the change we were promised.
Has anyone told the GOP that they went down to a resounding defeat calling for the end of neo-conservativism at all levels from economic irresponsibility to torture?
Only a nation pulling together can overcome this mess we have been handed, and in part were part of the cause of. This 'oppositiom party' needs to be reminded that they are part of this nation, not just spokesmen for those who already have enough while others are losing it all.
From the AP at MSNBC Dems power stimulus bill through Congress
Passage of $787 billion legislation hands Obama a critical political victory. Interesting use of the term "muscled through" in this piece.
Speaker Pelosi needs to put a great deal on the table for reform. Speaker Pelosi truly needs to speak more for us. Indeed, Speaker Pelosi needs to learn to listen to us and that, short of our Constitution, nothing is off the table. Our Constitution has not been protected by this Congress and that needs to be faced up to and fixed—top priority, no matter what has to be made public knowledge to do that, or whose actions have to be made public knowledge. Yes, we can take it if we face it. It is not what is on the table that is so dangerous, it is what is under it.
Only a nation willing to ask why KBR has been given yet another contract can start cleaning up this debacle.
From Voice of America Blackwater Announces Name Change. If a hungry lion starts calling itself a lamb is it any less dangerous to those upon whom it can feed?
We believe Yes, We Can—it remains to be seen if we will insist on Yes, they must do. It is insanity to keep doing the same things and expect different results, but then perhaps the recalcitrants really don't want different results? How does recalcitrance preserve, protect, or defend any but a small minority?
United, absolutely united, we must stand.
U.S. and Pakistan. Remy Benoit
From Carol Grisanti, NBC Pakistanis to Holbrooke: We're sick of being pawns.
Where will you find your breakfast this morning?. Remy Benoit
From the San Jose Mercury News and Dai Sugano India's left behind: Millions in Mumbai still live in desperate poverty.
As long as people must live like this, there will be unrest, there will be war.
Let's change that for the good of all of us.
The G7 should be dealing with this. So should the rest of the world, wherever people have to live like this.
William Astore, Lt.Col. Air Force Ret. Is the US Military Now an Imperial Police Force?. Remy Benoit
From William Astore, Lt.Col. Air Force, Ret. Tom Dispatch at Common Dreams Is the US Military Now an Imperial Police Force?
An American Foreign Legion.
American Oligarchs. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers Journal at Truthout High Noon: Geithner v. the American Oligarchs.
Accountability? Could that be an answer? If you condone inappropriate behavior, if, indeed, you "award" it, then it will continue.
Your voice is needed to help rebuild. Use it in a positive way, with positive suggestions.
Do not accept gloom and doom media reporting. Remember, this is a strong country; demand that bankers are just as accountable as the rest of us. If that trust has been violated, the, ah, "interest rate" on that has come due.
Recovery.gov. Remy Benoit
Do you want to know where every dollar, every job is under the Stimulus Plan?
17,000 More to Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Where is the diplomacy? We asked for a new way, not digging in deeper to problems, ask the British and the Soviets, that just keep draining all involved, including the people of Afghanistan.
How many more 17,000 more do we have to send here?
How many times do we go down the same road before we figure out it goes nowhere?
You cannot solve problems with the same thinking that caused them. You cannot ignore the root of problems and expect to alleviate them without digging that up and dealing with it.
From Anne Gearan and Jennifer Loven, The Associated Press at Truthout Obama O.K.s 17,000 More Afghanistan Troops.
One must ask what is the government of Afghanistan doing through all this, and why that is not being reported in a detailed, investigative journalist, fashion. Where is the media?
From Charlie Savage, the New York Times at MSNBC Obama's war on terror may resemble Bush's Administration quietly signals continued support for some approaches.
From Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Nation Don't Bleed Resources in Afghanistan.
From Anne Gearan, The Huffington Post, Obama Sending More Troops To Afghanistan... Official: 17,000 Is Likely Increase.
From last August, but still quite relevant, Dr. Andrew Bacevich, COL. U.S. Army Ret. (West Point) at TomDispatch Andrew Bacevich, The Lessons of Endless War.
We expect, we voted for diplomacy first—the rule of law first. Because things there have been badly mishandled that does not mean that we cannot find a better way if we commit to doing that.
Losing Wetlands. Remy Benoit
From Renee Schoof at McClatchy Press Wetlands decline along East, Gulf coasts, report shows.
As we here well know from Katrina, the loss of wetlands is catastrophic on many levels. With National Guard troops being sent out of the country, they can not be there in their own states when needed. Bring the Guard Home! It's the Law.
Having mercenaries patrol the streets of our cities as New Orleans did is not a comfortable situation. Where is the place for mercenary troops in a democracy, no matter how many times they change their names? There is something out of kilter with those who are horrified by an armed citizenry, but have no problem with mercenaries on city streets.
Lauren Fox—DAILY EMERALD: House Bill 2556 aims to keep National Guard troops home.
Eric Newhouse: Montana Model for Assessing Returning Vets for PTSD and TBI. Remy Benoit
From Eric Newhouse at Truthout Montana Model for Assessing Returning Vets for PTSD and TBI.
Tom Andrews:Shoot First, Ask Questions Later? . Remy Benoit
From Tom Andrews at The Huffington Post Shoot First, Ask Questions Later? Say It Ain't So, Mr. President.
From Clancy Chassay, Guardian UK, in Kabul Corruption and incompetence cripple reconstruction effort, say aid workers.
Joe Galloway: Afghanistan has the smell of South Vietnam in 1965. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Afghanistan has the smell of South Vietnam in 1965.
Lewis Seiler and Dan Hamburg: Will Obama Restore Constitutional Government? . Remy Benoit
From Lewis Seiler and Dan Hamburg, The San Francisco Chronicle, at Common Dreams Will Obama Restore Constitutional Government?.
We have two lead articles today—the Constitution and Afghanistan (below). The American people made very, very clear that "endless war," torture, detention camps, black sites, etc. are not to be part of the program.
If that was, and is, your call on all this, then time to do some e-mailing and calling.
The People have spoken—entrenched powers need to listen. Remy Benoit
It seems that it was very clear on Election Day that the People of this country had had enough of neo-conservative "for me" no thought of you, the future, or of how the rest of the world viewed us.
Now these forces, economic, military, and political are trying to stop the change the People asked President Obama to make for us.
You used your voice once, and you will continue to have to use it if you truly believe, Yes, we can!
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Obama's 'Seven Days in May' Moment.
Fletcher Knebel: SEVEN DAYS IN MAY.
From Sen. Patrick Leahy, TIME Magazine, at Truthout The Case for a Truth Commission.
From Flizzy.com Stand By Me.
From Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone at Truthout Pelosi Hits Back.
A Small Blue Planet. Remy Benoit
There is a great deal of talk about many things—economic recovery, troop increases, troop decreases, mortgages gone under, food not on tables, jobs lost, culpability and accountability of former leaders, truth commissions, lives and dreams broken by the greed of others, nuclear arsenals, and a hundred thousand other things.
I listened to Robert Ballard speak last night for a few moments about how more than half of the country is water if we consider the 200 mile offshore "owning" of the oceans. We have not yet even truly begun to explore these regions where there are myriad forms of life and resources as yet unknown to us.
Little concern is given to diminishing drinking water, diminishing forests, food shortages, violent weather.
Are we looking at small pictures, "pork," partisanship, oneupsmanship, when the big canvas is losing its color?
May I bring your attention to this article that reminds us that we and our planet are truly all connected at InnerSelf from Daisaku Ikeda Environmental Compassion.
It has long been my contention that we live too far from nature, and I offer this small suggestion during these tough economic times as we are bludgeoned by ever rising food costs—a new kind of Victory Garden, be it a kitchen garden, a patio garden, or even herbs grown in small pots on your windowsill, on my windsill, in my yard—in yards and windowsills all around the world.
Perhaps getting our hands back into the soil, enjoying the fruits, herbs, and vegetables of our labor, of sharing a bountiful harvest would help rekindle that tie to Mother Nature, to each other.
If you have the proverbial "brown thumb," well then, how about a crock pot with a cup of water added to a cup of flour—a little stirring, a few days settling, (covered please) and you have your own sour dough starter and are not paying almost $3.00 for 3 tablespoons of yeast. It may take a little longer to rise, but the taste is more pungent and you just might get to sit down a bit and write an e-mail to a Senator expressing your views while your bread or coffee cake is rising. Actually, sour dough has a good lesson to teach us—whatever you take out, put back in some way at least as much as what you have taken out to keep things rising.
Perhaps the dollars we save could be shared with those trying so hard to stay alive, to keep their homes. Perhaps you could take the time to do one tiny click a day at The Hunger Site. and give a cup of food a day—just one click enough to keep someone alive.
When was the last time you sat at the shoreline and wondered about how those across the horizon line were doing? Until we all worry about how all are doing we will live with the concomitants of the greed of the few; we will live with war.
Until we all pick up a brush filled with our particular passion and speak up for it, work for it, not stop until we achieve something better for all, we will be subtracting from, rather than adding to, the canvas we call Mother Earth.
Like all else, it is in the choices of each and everyone of us. How we care for our country, how we care for the Veterans we so continually make; how we care for other countries, for the planet all takes its place on the canvas of the planet.
If a child goes to bed hungry anywhere it will have an impact in some way on the child you tucked in tonight.
What do we want to see on that canvas—life and compassion or greed, hate, and war. The choice lives with each and every one of us whether we live in a city, on a mountaintop, in the desert, on the plateau, on an island.
The choice lies with us—bright, vibrant canvas, or the grey death of all of it and all of us.
Please share your ideas, share your "Victory Garden" stories. Your crop yield can be veggies and fruit; your garden may be one of ideas to help; it may be your story that you need to share, but share, talk, listen, and help we must.
Plant a seed today, some kind of seed, for something better and then stay with it until it comes to fruition.
Let the gloom and doomers know that we are not taking delivery on their negativity. We know there is a better way, and we must commit to finding it, watering it, nurturing and growing it for all.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
David C. Korten: An Address I Hope President Obama Will Deliver. Remy Benoit
From David Korten at Ode Magazine An Address I Hope President Obama Will Deliver.
Barbara Ehrenreich and Chuck Collins: Corporate America, Ground Your Jets. Remy Benoit
From Barbara Ehrenreich and Chuck Collins at Common Dreams Corporate America, Ground Your Jets.
From The Populist.com DISPATCHES
EXULTING IN OBSTRUCTION.
From Jim Hightower Hightower: Here we go again--invading when we should be thinking Team Obama's plan for Afghanistan is a disaster in search of a strategy.
From Steve Kraske and David Goldstein, The Kansas City Star Analysis: Sebelius knows of tough fights for health-care overhaul in Kansas.
Your voice is needed to tell Congress, to tell the President what you want. Are you going to show up for your country, or just expect your soldiers to do that, and then be quiet about it when they hurt?
Jeff Donn: AP IMPACT: Army charity hoards millions. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Donn, AP, at Yahoo News IMPACT: Army charity hoards millions.
From Jose Rodel Clapano at Philstar Pinoy veterans to get one-time lump-sum from USDVA.
For the full text of President Obama's Speech to Congress at CBS Text: Obama's Speech To Congress.
NOW IS THE TIME to be there for our Veterans, to be there for your country, to be there for the re st of the world. If you are there, tell the President that you are at Contact the White House. and please do mention that you want the best for our troops in combat, and coming home—and that well used diplomacy makes less Vets! Problems must, again, again, again, be solved with new ways of thinking, not with the ways that started the problems in the first place.
Concerning all of it there is only one answer—If we all stand up, YES WE CAN!
From the AP at MSMBC 21st-century fireside chat: Did Obama connect?
Listeners like president's words, but hope those will translate into action. It is not only the action of the President and Congress, but the People, and the banks who some of, for reasons known only to them, think that raising interest rates on credit cards is the best way out of this financial situation. That needs to be rethought and controlled by Congress as some banks still do not seem to have learned that there is a limit to greed and that country, indeed, honor, come first.
From Stephen Clark at Fox News Postmaster General Gets Pay Bonus as Agency Falters Postmaster General John Potter's base salary climbed to $265,000 last year from $186,000 in 2007 and he received a performance bonus of $135,000, all approved by Congress. What is wrong with this when mail delivery is so slow, when overnight rates can't be guaranteed, when 3 day first class mail takes five or six days, when priority mail rates had escalated? Let's rethink this one too!
From Andrew Gray and David Morgan, Reuters at Truthout Obama Said Ready to Withdraw Combat Troops From Iraq. Now rational decisions and policy must be developed concerning Afghanistan.
From Norman Solomon at Common Dreams Freeing Up Resources... for More War.
From the Huffington Post The Reactions Are In
From George Lakoff at Truthout The Obama Code.
The definition of insanity has been said to do the same things over and over again and to expect a different result. We must start thinking in terms of a Small Blue Planet. Here is a work from Eckhart Tolle that will help you along that path. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Remember, "right brain" thinking is from the heart and will be the savior of this century.
What did you think?. Remy Benoit
From 21st Century Democrats Leave a comment and let us know what you thought about President Obama’s address to Congress.
Excerpts from the President's Speech.
Jason Leopold: Leahy, Pelosi Differ on Bush Inquiry. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Consortium News Leahy, Pelosi Differ on Bush Inquiry.
Governor Jindal's Response. Remy Benoit
From Jan Moller, The Times-Picayune Gov. Bobby Jindal speech on national stage gets woeful reviews.
At You Tube Republican Response to Pres. Obama Address to Congress.
President Obama to Joint Session of Congress. Remy Benoit
At You Tube President Obama to Joint Session of Congress—Highlights.
Acknowedging Those Who Gave All. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Sources: Pentagon lifting ban on coffin photos
Gates reportedly will leave decision up to families of war dead.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
At the moment, "17,000 More" are being committed to the war in Afghanistan. Looking at numbers is often meaningless, so let me put it this way.
In 1964, as a member of the first year Boomer class at Northeast High School in Philadelphia our graduating class was about 1,100. In those terms, "17,000 More" is roughly 15x all the young men and women with whom I was graduated.
"Troops" are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, younger/older sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles. May I suggest you watch John Cusack's Grace is Gone. What do you say to a child when mommy is not coming home?
Before we commit them, and who knows how many more, at who knows what cost in KIA, WIA, MIA, PTSD, TBI, and yes, dollars, without really re-thinking what being there means, how we are defining "winning," may I suggest that you consider the words of these fellow citizens at Get Afghanistan Right.
May I suggest we study the experience of the first First Anglo-Afghan War. Please note the dates of this. Second British Afghan War. from On War. 1919 - THE THIRD AFGHAN WAR: AN INTRODUCTION by Paul Hinson.
Is a picture emerging yet?
Or the Soviet Experience The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan 1979-1989.
From Veterans Today Jonathan S. Landay: Is the U.S. repeating Soviet mistakes in Afghanistan?.
Are we confusing Afghanistan, Pakistan, Taliban, Al Qaeda? Do we need to sort thinking out before we commit more people, and yes, troops are people with dreams, commitment, and families?
Please, think about what is being said in all these places and then write to the President and ask him to re-think Afghanistan. Contact the White House.
We are sending family to fight—we must know exactly what the plan, including the victory and exit plans are before we send more. AND, if we send more, are we prepared to give them the care they need when they come home? So far, we haven't said yes to that question.
Military Families Speak Out. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Military Families Speak Out: Obama: Bring All Our Troops Home From Iraq Now!.
How does one define ending a war with 50,000 remaining in place?
From Ben Feller at The Huffington Post Officials: Obama sets Aug. 2010 as Iraq end date.
From Greg Miller at the LA Times Senate to investigate CIA's actions under Bush.
Afghanistan and Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Afghan: Taliban has 10,000 to 15,000 fighters
Delegation visiting U.S. says new strategy for region must include Pakistan.
From Greg Grant Friday, Intelligence, International at Military.com A Taliban Surge in Afghanistan?.
From Eric Alterman at The Nation War Is Over (If You Want It).
Tom Vanden Brook: Obama to Troops: Iraq Mission to End in August 2010. Remy Benoit
From Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today at Common Dreams Obama to Troops: Iraq Mission to End in August 2010.
From Leslie H. Gelb, Parade Should We Make Peace With Extremists?.
Another question comes to mind—on how many fronts can you make war? War is a failure of diplomacy—why not start from the possible rather than the failure?
President Obama: "I work for the American people.". Remy Benoit
In a radio address to let lobbyists know that the people come first, from Charles Babington, AP, at Truthout Obama Tells Powerful Lobbies: Bring It On.
To hear the address Keeping Promises.
Preserving rather than destroying. Remy Benoit
We spend so much time and energy at war that we sometimes forget how hard at work we also are at understanding our roots, our history which so often overlaps with those we now call enemies. Perhaps we need to dig deep to find more common ground and ways to live together.
From the AP at MSNBC Experts aim to decipher ancient script 2,500-year-old writing found on stone tablets in Portugal.
From Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery, at MSNBC 3,000-year-old papyrus fragments found Ancient find may solve century-old puzzle, shed light on Egyptian history.
From Alysia Patterson, AP, at MSNBC 13,000-year-old tools dug up in Colorado yard Cache of more than 83 ancient tools buried by ice age hunter-gatherers.
From Jenny Barchfield, AP, at MSNBC Fungus threatens famed Lascaux cave drawings Scientists seek way to stop the spread aggravated by global warming.
To drive the cold winter away, even here in the deep South it is 30 at the moment, a visit to France and The Cave at Lascaux.
And from Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log, tonight on PBS The race to save our languages.
Drawdown. Remy Benoit
From Gareth Porter, Inter Press Service at Common Dreams Drawdown Plan May Leave Combat Brigades in Iraq.
And from John Nichols, The Nation, at Common Dreams so thoughts about Afghanistan Shouldn't MoveOn Oppose Obama on Afghanistan? I refer you to the reader comments on this one!
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Pamela Constable, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Tactical success, strategic defeat
Afghan outrage at U.S. raid highlights challenges facing new military push.
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: Doomed to repeat history in Afghanistan?.
When the 'arf-made recruity goes out to the East
'E acts like a babe an' 'e drinks like a beast,
An' 'e wonders because 'e is frequent deceased
Ere 'e's fit for to serve as a soldier.
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
So-oldier ~OF~ the Queen!
Now all you recruities what's drafted to-day,
You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay,
An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may:
A soldier what's fit for a soldier.
Fit, fit, fit for a soldier . . .
First mind you steer clear o' the grog-sellers' huts,
For they sell you Fixed Bay'nets that rots out your guts --
Ay, drink that 'ud eat the live steel from your butts --
An' it's bad for the young British soldier.
Bad, bad, bad for the soldier . . .
When the cholera comes -- as it will past a doubt --
Keep out of the wet and don't go on the shout,
For the sickness gets in as the liquor dies out,
An' it crumples the young British soldier.
Crum-, crum-, crumples the soldier . . .
But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead:
You ~must~ wear your 'elmet for all that is said:
If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead,
An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier.
Fool, fool, fool of a soldier . . .
If you're cast for fatigue by a sergeant unkind,
Don't grouse like a woman nor crack on nor blind;
Be handy and civil, and then you will find
That it's beer for the young British soldier.
Beer, beer, beer for the soldier . . .
Now, if you must marry, take care she is old --
A troop-sergeant's widow's the nicest I'm told,
For beauty won't help if your rations is cold,
Nor love ain't enough for a soldier.
'Nough, 'nough, 'nough for a soldier . . .
If the wife should go wrong with a comrade, be loath
To shoot when you catch 'em -- you'll swing, on my oath! --
Make 'im take 'er and keep 'er: that's Hell for them both,
An' you're shut o' the curse of a soldier.
Curse, curse, curse of a soldier . . .
When first under fire an' you're wishful to duck,
Don't look nor take 'eed at the man that is struck,
Be thankful you're livin', and trust to your luck
And march to your front like a soldier.
Front, front, front like a soldier . . .
When 'arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch,
Don't call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch;
She's human as you are -- you treat her as sich,
An' she'll fight for the young British soldier.
Fight, fight, fight for the soldier . . .
When shakin' their bustles like ladies so fine,
The guns o' the enemy wheel into line,
Shoot low at the limbers an' don't mind the shine,
For noise never startles the soldier.
Start-, start-, startles the soldier . . .
If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white,
Remember it's ruin to run from a fight:
So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,
And wait for supports like a soldier.
Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . .
When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier ~of~ the Queen!
Dear Journalists—What is good for us?. Remy Benoit
What is good for us is not up to the media to decide, unless they accept the premise that truth, that reporting all the news; that real investigative journalism is good for us.
From Robert Parry at Consortium News The American Media Misdiagnosis.
At the Huffington Post Sen. Patrick Leahy—A Truth Commission to Investigate Bush-Cheney Administration Abuses. Should immunity be granted, and to whom?
Tell us what your book is about.
If you like, tell us how it came to be written; what you went through to write it; where we can buy it; and send along links to any reviews you have about it.
If you are stuck, post a question for suggestions from others to help you a long the way.
If you want to write, there is only one way to do. Sit down and write—every day!
If you need an editor, you have come to the right place. Just click on Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
Waiting to see your work for sharing.
You have a story to tell—let me help you tell it to the world right here—just send it along in "comments" and everything that is appropriate will be posted, no charge. No nasties, please, all ages pass time with us!
Let's start here with Eric Newhouse's Faces of Combat. as he has a real important story to tell about our Veterans! You can help us get this message to President Obama. If you have sent letters to your Senators, Representatives, to the President concerning better treatment and respect for our Veterans, please e-mail copies to Dawn@idyllarbor.com for us to send again, together with others, to stress that we demand that our Veterans get the help they need. If you would like to write letters, you may also send them to the same place. Thank you so much for that.
Miz' Remy
Crime and/or Punishment?. Remy Benoit
Bottomline here is that we are a nation of laws that must be honored.
From Matt Renner at Truthout Truth Commission May Not Lead to Prosecutions.
From Marjorie Cohn at Truthout Memos Provide Blueprint for Police State.
Let's "green star" recovery!. Remy Benoit
From Daniel Gross at Newsweek A War on the Rich?
The bogus GOP claim that Obama is bleeding the wealthy.
The "whine" factor of this economic situation is overwhelming—gloom and doom, end of the world (how many times have we gone through that?) scenarios.
Seething yellow journalim only generates fear, hatred, and more problems. Foxes like to bare their teeth—we need cooperation, not snarling.
The simple fact is mismanagement and greed that need cleaning up; and vast wealth that needs sharing through jobs, through re-building our crumbling infrastructure; through tool and die makers and lables that say "Made in the USA;" through health care; through less dependence on foreign oil.
What is so hard to get about that, unless, of course, you are one of the few who want it all?
Oh, yes, and perhaps someone should give Limbaugh a copy of the Constitution he so flagrantly misquotes. Perhaps that would help us declare indepedence of his insipid, destructive, self-serving ravings.
WE are a strong country. We must stand together. Perhaps we all need to put a green star in our windows, on our flagpoles representing a green light—start the engines, let's go and get this job done! Perhaps the "whiners" need to go sit in the cloak room and meditate on what was done to precipitate these problems. Then, they are welcome to come out to the schoolyard, share milk and cookies, and re-join the game with the rest of us who believe in the strength, courage, and dream of this country and are willing to role up our sleeves and get it done.
No fear!
Tens of Thousands with TBI. Remy Benoit
From Kelly Kennedy at Army Times Tens of thousands have TBI, officials say.
Will we be there for them?
America must stand up for our Veterans!
Letters from Veterans to VA unopened? Visit here at Story Point with Lonnie Story to find out what that is about!
Spunk up and roll your sleeves up!. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama: Crisis is time of 'great opportunity' Faced with dire economic news, president challenges nation to step up.
We can sit on the couch and whine, or we can all work together. I have suggested a world wide Victory Garden. Start some seeds, take those cardboard egg cartons to do it, and grow some vegetables for your table, to share with your neighbors. Flowers are signs of life and hope, so start some flowers too. Put a green star for "go ahead" on your front door! Hang a flag to remind of us how hard we have work to make its dream a reality.
Demand justice for those whose greed hurt us all.
Check around the block and make sure everyone is eating. Get to know your neighbors, share whatever you can with those out of work and maybe help to find them a job.
Ask the President to put some pressure on to remove ridiculously high percentage rates on credit cards. Haven't the banks done enough without chocking people with those? They might actually be able to pay of their debts at non-usurious rates.
Get your houses of worship involved in helping in the neighborhood with things like clothing drives, or whatever else is needed.
We are Americans, and that means Yes, we can do!
So, let's do it! Together—Red, White, and Blue.
The Media and Your Money. Remy Benoit
The media carries a huge responsibility. The question is, how much can you trust them to live up to that. Warning, this material from the Jon Stewart Daily Show includes adult language.
March 4, 2009: CNBC Gives Financial Advice.
March 5, 2009: Clusterf#@k to the Poor House - Obama's Revolutionary Budget.
Cooking the budget—is that a satire on how many books were cooked—on how many of us were deep fried in other peoples' fatty greed?
Ah, yes, we are back to the Caveat Emptor, aren't we. Glittering generalities and yellow journalism are not responsible reporting by anyone's definition.
David Frum: Why Rush is Wrong. Remy Benoit
At Newsweek, from David Frum Why Rush is Wrong The party of Buckley and Reagan is now bereft and dominated by the politics of Limbaugh. A conservative's lament.
President Obama: Weekly Address. Remy Benoit
Paul Krugman: Behind the Curve. Remy Benoit
From Paul Krugman, NY Times, at Common Dreams Behind the Curve.
From the AP at Military.com 12,000 Troops Out of Iraq by September. For those who are leaving the service, what kind of jobs will they be coming home to?
We still need to do a great deal of re-thinking about a number of things. One of them is reducing usurious credit card percentages, a topic to which the Congress seems to be deaf. How many ways do banks need to be bailed out?
From MSNBC Interview with Warren Buffet.
Are you growing a "Victory Garden?". Remy Benoit
I am! These are times when we need to get back to the earth, to helping to produce what we need to eat. Even if you only have small patio, you can grow patio tomatoes, some peppers, and lots of herbs taking you well on your way to a garden salad, and saving some dollars here and there to help pay off other debts.
I'll be posting some pictures as the garden grows.
Veteran author Lonnie Story just finished digging his garden and is beginning to plant it. Sit down with a cuppa and join my buddy Lonnie at Story Point and say Hey.
Spread the word—grow a Victory Garden just like your folks did when time were tough. Ask for their advice; share the idea with your neighbor, with a Veteran, with the family of someone in service, and with someone you know in another country.
I took out my canner—ask another Granny like me how to make one work! Those "put up jars" look so beautiful on the shelf and come the cold next January you can be eating this summer's warmth and food you grew with your own hands!
It is can do—and it will make you feel good too!
Down History Lane with the West Point Class of 1947. Remy Benoit
A former student sent me this link to West Point's history, so I am sharing this with you. Enjoy the video!
Food Lines in Indiana. Remy Benoit
From Truth Staff, The Elkhart Truth, at MSNBC Food caravan stops in hard-hit Ind. county
Thousands in town that Obama visited line up to get free supplies.
We cannot let Congress rest until they get this situation fixed. We need jobs here.
Makes you wonder how much those billions that went missing in Iraq could have helped people today to make it through this man made monster. Accountability is needed here, or it will happen again. From Stephen Labaton at the NY Times Some Banks, Citing Strings, Want to Return Federal Aid.
/p>We will recover; the question is will we allow so few again to make so many lives so miserable for decent folk who played by the rules and lost anyway because of someone else's greed.
So, what can you as an individual do? Get those seeds sprouting for a Victory Garden and share with your neighbors, with a local food bank.
Clean out your closets and call your local Vietnam Veteran Organization to pick them up. You will help them, and others.
Donate that old car so someone else can get to work when they find a job. It is also a tax write off. You also could get your local churches to have a clothes bank, a food bank.
And keep those phones ringing, those e-mails filling up e-mail inboxes at Contact Congress.
Remind them too that they need to do something to bring down usurious interest rates on credit cards. Contact The White House.
And one more thing. Let broadcasters know that you don't want to be hearing their gloom and doom; that yellow journalism playing on fear is no part of your life. If they keep it up, turn them off. They will catch on as their ratings drop.
We are not powerless. We are the People and this country belongs to us, not to just a few who haven't stood in a supermarket line with a half full basket wondering if they can pay for even that. They are not the ones having to say no to their kids for needed things. Let them know that this won't do, that we demand as much of them as we do of ourselves—and that means a health care plan as good as theirs for the rest of us. That also means a rational foreign policy; that also means care for our Veterans.
Have a block party, get to know your neighbors and help each with things that are just sitting around attics and garages. Let the lawn grow a few days more and save the price of the gas and donate those few dollars to a local food bank. And, do please, make sure that everyone on the block can meet that heating bill. If you have elderly on your block, make sure someone has contact numbers for their families if the need should occur.
This is a can do, if each and everyone gets up and does something to help ourselves and someone else.
Learn all the verses to Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger/ This Land Is Your Land.
Too much power?. Remy Benoit
From Eric Black, MinnPost, at Truthout Investigative Reporter Seymour Hersh Describes "Executive Assassination Ring".
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: A shining city on a hill can't have dungeons in its basements.
From Freida Berrigan at TomDispatch How Shovel-Ready Is the Pentagon?.
Some interesting music. Remy Benoit
From Concerned Citizens of Yesteryear Their version of This Land is Your Land.
More of their music at Concerned Citizens of Yesteryear.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at Just Foreign Policy NYT Publishes Roadmap for Taliban Talks.
Jon Stewart: The Daily Show—Responsibility of Media Financial Advice. Remy Benoit
Sometimes things need to be said—brought out into the open. Last night, Jon Stewart did that.
Posted by Eric March at the Daily Show Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer: The Extended Daily Show Interview.
If others spoke up about what they really feel about the economic situation, about advice given on TV and the responsibility of the advice, Congress would have to listen.
Michelle Obama: Miltiary Families on Food Stamps—"It hurts...". Remy Benoit
From Karen Travers, ABC News, First Lady, Michelle Obama Exclusive: 'It Hurts,' Says First Lady of Military Families on Food Stamps.
Oral History Project at West Point. Remy Benoit
From CHRISTINE ROMO and LAUREN SHER at ABC Battle Stories Help Prepare Soldiers for War Soldiers Share Personal Accounts and Emotions from Combat in West Point Project.
You might also want to visit at West Point with Dr. Elizabeth Samet's class and book about how reading the classics, poetry, and war helps prepare the young for the life they have chosen. Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point.
And for a very special treat, a very special experience, join me as editor for the greatest group of men a lady was ever privileged to work with to preserve their memories, experiences, and to pass them on to those who are coming up at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968.There was, and still is, NO TASK TOO GREAT! for the CLASS OF 1968! Thanks, Gentlemen, for being who you are—and who you are honors not only West Point, but the entire country. God Bless all of you and Welcome Home!
Peter Dyer: War Crimes & American Rejectionism. Remy Benoit
From Peter Dyer at Consortium News War Crimes & American Rejectionism.
Did you Know?. Remy Benoit
At You Tube Did you know?
War: How do we interpret it; how do we cope with it?. Remy Benoit
From Michael Winship at Truthout The Brave, Living and Dead.
From Philip Bennett, Washington Post, at Truthout What We Don't Know About Iraq.
From Scott Lucas, Enduring Freedom Did the US Avert a Coup in Pakistan? No.
From Leslie H. Gelb, NY Times, at Just Foreign Policy How To Leave Afghanistan
Do you need help coming home from war?. Remy Benoit
Then I can highly recommend these books to you.
Britta Reque-Dragicevic—Close to Home: A Soldier's Guide to Returning from War.
Britta's book includes the voices of Veterans who, just like you, have been there. I know, I edited it.
Eric's work includes special programs that are new and are working in Montana. Perhaps you can help spread them around the country.
Archive: Doonesbury at War. Remy Benoit
Find Garry Trudeau's work Doonesbury At War. at this link from Military.com
Robert Dallek: How Not to End Another President's War (L.B.J. Edition). Remy Benoit
From Robert Dallek, the NY Times at Truthout How Not to End Another President's War (L.B.J. Edition).
I am not one to cry at movies, but Kevin Bacon left me weeping throughout the beautiful movie he has made Taking Chance.
It is based on the true life story of a Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl,who volunteers to take Pfc. Chance Phelps remains home from Iraq.
This movie is done with sincerity, with respect, with class, and with compassion.
Before we go gung ho into sending more into harm's way, it would be a good idea to watch this movie as it reminds you that soldiers are people— each and every one of them with lives, with dreams, with those whom they love, and with those who love them.
Thank you, Kevin. Well done!
The movie is still available on HBO. Take the time, make the time. It is the least we can do.
Troops in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iraq: U.S. troops to stay in insecure areas Prime minister says withdrawals must be done with Iraq's approval.
This is up to Iraq, when our forces will leave?
What kind of place have we put ourselves into that others make decisions for us? What does that bode for escalating in Afghanistan? We really need to think things through much better than we have to date.
Marc Ash: Let the thing be pressed. Remy Benoit
From Marc Ash at Truthout Let the Thing Be Pressed.
Perhaps we have to decide who this country belongs to—a handful of insatiable corporate executives, or the rest of us.
We have to ask just how deeply the want list of corporations impacts on the rest of us.
Do we want to allow our Congress to bow to the want list of the corporations?
This is a time when we can truly change, get on a path to make a wonderful, and yes, green future, but it is up to us to demand that.
The agenda of the Congress should be the agenda of the people and to date, it is still not looking like that.
Thus, the question is, will you use your voice to make clear to Congress that Americans have the right to work; that "Made in America" is what the people want: that health care is what the people need; that the intent as well as the words of the law should be followed and that those who have mis-used them, and thus mis-used us should be prosecuted?
Democracy only works if the people work for it.
Contact Congress.
XKCD: A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language.. Remy Benoit
Alternative Energy Revolution.
Green energy—a definite YES!
But windmills that can...
Go see and enjoy!
Robert Creamer: AIG Bonuses and Wall Street's "Greed is Good" Values. Remy Benoit
From Robert Creamer, Campaign for America's Future AIG Bonuses and Wall Street's "Greed is Good" Values.
If this article speaks to you, speak to your Congressman and Senator Contact Congress.
Guitars for Vets!. Remy Benoit
We are all aware of the healing power of music.
This morning this link was sent to me by Michael Orban. who wants us all to be aware that music is being brought to those who have given us so much.
So, any good at pickin' those strings? Give some thought to sharing your music! Drop by Guitars for Vets. and pass some time. Maybe, just maybe you might want to share your music too.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
From CNN AIG execs left after 'retention' bonuses, N.Y. official says.
Over 73 people, bonuses from $1,000,000 to $6.4 million? What is wrong with this picture?
From MSNBC AIG outrage in Washington: 'This is ridiculous'One lawmaker suggests that firm execs should resign or kill themselves While that may be a "rhetorical" comment and not our way to commit suicide for personal failure, there is a question of moral responsibility and perhaps cause for more intensive investigations.
Dan Gerstein: AIG's Larceny. Remy Benoit
From Dan Gerstein at Forbes AIG's Larceny: Obama ''gets it,'' but Geithner clearly doesn't.
If you don't like what is going, it is not going to change unless you speak up. Contact Congress.
<
President Obama has said he works for us. If you want to help him do that job, get a cuppa, sit down and listen, and then use the contact links to express your voice. President Obama A New Foundation for Growth. And please, when you call or write, insist that we care for our Vets; investigate war profiteering; and re-draw a rational foreign policy for Afghanistan. How many times do we have to spell our quagmire with the lives of our young? We need to know exactly what we are doing, what we consider "victory," and what our withdrawal plans are before we commit lives and our sacred honor.
Who is standing in the way of economic progress? Here is the take on that from Campaign for America's Future Dog The (Blue) Dogs.
We don't properly care for our Veterans—why should we fund bonuses for the people who put us in this mess?
From Inside Music Media Cumulus Is Radio's AIG By Jerry Del Colliano.
Greed and war are insatiable. They both need to be put on a strict diet!
Robert Parry: New Evidence of Bush Torture Crimes. Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News New Evidence of Bush Torture Crimes.
As with anything else in life, each step adds up to where you end up. It is all, again truly, in the choices.
But the thing here is all this was done in our names.
Senator Leahy wants a Truth Commission. but there are considerations here that we must think about. If amnesty is granted for testimony, who answers for abuses? If we want to protect our Constitution, then the law must be the law and those who usurp and abuse power must pay the consequences.
James Twyman: The Proof. Remy Benoit
Something to consider James Twyman: The Peace Troubadour—The Proof. When you get to the site, click on "The Proof."
Can he prove the Buddha's truth that "All that is, is One?"
It will be interesting to find out.
Veterans Need Your Letters to the White House!. Remy Benoit
From the Kansas City Star at Military.com Vets Rap WH Plan on Paying for Care.
When soldiers agreed to be soldiers, they were promised health care at the VA. We need the VA cleaned up and functioning at 100%.
We need to keep our promises. No compromise on this one, so let's get those letters going to the White House.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER, MONTANA.
From the IAVA an invitation to The Real World.
Reduced Stop Gap. Remy Benoit
From Pauline Jelinek and Kimberly Hefling, the AP at Truthout Sources: Pentagon to Reduce Forced Tour Extensions.
How to control how our money is spent. Remy Benoit
From Brian E. Gray at Truthout Venality Bites.
And then there is the Blackwater problem. From Jim McElhatton, The Washington Times at Common Dreams New Deal for Blackwater.
From Jeremy Scahill at The Huffington Post President Obama, Why Did You Pay Blackwater $70 Million in February.
And, of course, we have to design a rational foreign policy toward Afghanistan Get Afghanistan Right.
Obama Reaches Out to Iran. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama reaches out to Iran, seeks engagement President says the U.S. wants to end decades-old strained relationship.
President Obama's Speech to Iran. at Truthout
From Savannah Guthrie and Alex Johnson at MSNBC Obama ‘stunned’ by millions in AIG bonuses President promises on ‘Tonight Show’ to get payments back.
From Bruce Bartlett Taxes, Bailouts and Class Warfare.
Joe Galloway: A Great Day for the U.S. Army. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: A great day for the U.S. Army.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment on Bank Situation. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, at Truthout Keith Olbermann Gets Tough With Bailed Out Banks - Enough!
A ten million dollar office?
I would be happy with an extra desk!
Enuf!
Torture Docs. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Consortium News CIA Has 3,000 Docs on Torture Tapes.
Michael Kazan: The Outrage Factor. Remy Benoit
From Michael Kazan at Newsweek The Outrage Factor.
Obama: Comprehensive, including exit plan, needed for Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama wants exit plan strategy in Afghanistan
He says a comprehensive approach, not just military action, is needed.
The Guardian UK—David Hencke: Intelligence Made It Clear Saddam Was Not a Threat, Diplomat Tells MPs . Remy Benoit
From David Hencke, UK,at Truthout Intelligence Made It Clear Saddam Was Not a Threat, Diplomat Tells MPs.
John Nichols: Mr. Cheney, What About This 'Executive Assassination Squad'?. Remy Benoit
From John Nichols, The Nation Mr. Cheney, What About This 'Executive Assassination Squad'?
International War Veterans' Poetry Archives. Remy Benoit
International War Veteranss' Poetry Archives.
Obama Press Conference. Remy Benoit
From Peter Baker and Adam Nagourney, NY Times at MSNBC In volatile time, Obama strikes tone for crisis Professor in chief is on display during second White House press conference.
We would do well to remember that this is our country; that we all have an interest in it for our children and theirs to come. If certain interests are interested only in themselves and their profits, then it is quite obvious that they need to be regulated. This is not the first time that we have been in this place. It is also well beyond time to hold those whose greed caused this to be held accountable be it in the economic or the war, or war profiteering, sphere.
From Katrina vanden Heuvel at The Nation Obama Rallies Nation.
You may view the President's conference from the above link.
Let's go Down History Lane with U.S. History.com Theodore Roosevelt.
From Glenn Somerville and David Alexander at Reuters Obama admin. seeks powers to shut firms like AIG.
Jason Leopold: Torture Memos. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Truthout Torture Memos Drafted by Ex-DOJ Official Steven Bradbury to Be Released.
U.S. Takes "Ownership" of Aghanistan War. Remy Benoit
From Karen DeYoung and Rajiv Chandrasekaran, The Washington Post at MSNBC U.S. presence in Afghan war eclipses NATO role
Country takes ownership of conflict with more troops, civilians on the way.
From Robert Naiman at The Huffington Post Afghanistan: The Four Questions.
Obama on Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama: Afghan situation 'increasingly perilous'
President says U.S. must ‘disrupt, defeat and dismantle’ al-Qaida.
War Dogs. Remy Benoit
From Christian Davenport, The Washington Post, at MSNBC Recruited to serve and sniff — again Ace bomb and weapons detectives, more military dogs being sent overseas.
If you are not familiar with the untiring work of our canine heroes, then find out about them! War Dogs.
Jason Leopold: Tyler E. Boudreau: "The Unmaking of A Marine". Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at Truthout Tyler E. Boudreau: "The Unmaking of A Marine.
Should Purple Hearts be awarded for PTSD?
Down History Lane: Barcelona 1908. Remy Benoit
From You Tube Barcelona 1908.
"We Shall Remain". Remy Benoit
I received the following message and want to pass it along to you. Someone who saw the preview show said it looks wonderful, so let the TV teach you a few things about the life and cultures of our Native Americans, starting 4/13 on PBS—they have a lot to share with you!
Aho!
From previews and advance notices, probably many of you have noticed, and all ought to anticipate, the PBS television series, "We Shall Remain". The series of 90-minute programs on five consecutive Mondays, starting on April 13, feature five historic stories from the native peoples of Turtle Island. These stories span 350 years, from the 1620s to the 1970s. The series starts with the Wampanoag experience with the Pilgrims, and the series ends with Wounded Knee; not the Wounded Knee massacre at the end of the "Indian Wars" in 1890, but the Wounded Knee confrontation between AIM and FBI in our time. It attests how a history of physical and cultural survival continues even now. It brings native history to the center of "American history", instead of relegating it to the periphery of the American experience as usual. The TV series brings together native consultants, advisors, historians, linguists, writers and actors to an unprecedented extent. These award-winning programs are promoted as being "too remarkable and too inspiring to forget".
I encourage you all to plan on viewing the series and visiting the related website for further depth. I anticipate the programming will be a blessing to humanity and will be of special interest to the Lodge Keeper Society, world-wide.
Robert Borosage: Time for a Grand Inquest on the Financial Crisis. Remy Benoit
From Robert Borosage, Campaign for America's Future Time for a Grand Inquest on the Financial Crisis.
Ann Jones: Death on the Home Front Women in the Crosshairs. Remy Benoit
From Ann Jones at Tom Dispatch Death on the Home Front Women in the Crosshairs.
Charlotte Dennett: Leahy Bails on 'Truth Commission' Plan. Remy Benoit
From Charlotte Dennett at Consortium News Leahy Bails on 'Truth Commission' Plan.
Pentagon seeks $3 billion for Pakistan and 10,000 Troops. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Sources: Pentagon seeks $3 billion for Pakistan Plan reportedly also calls for 10,000 troops to battle Taliban in Afghanistan.
Eric Newhouse: "Soldiers Say Combat is Morally Wrong". Remy Benoit
From Eric Newhouse at Scatter Good Ethics "Soldiers Say Combat is Morally Wrong".
Also from Eric Newhouse, at Truthout
Legislation Aims to Improve Veterans' Mental Health Services.
The world grows smaller each day..... Remy Benoit
And it is our responsibility to make it a safer place for all children. From You Tube Little Korean Child Singing Hey Jude.
4 year Korean Paul McCartney Wannabe.
Thanks Liana for sending these along!
Ian Traynor: The 52 Minutes of Obama Magic That Changed the Nuclear Rules. Remy Benoit
From Ian Traynor, Guardian UK, at Truthout The 52 Minutes of Obama Magic That Changed the Nuclear Rules.
Obama's Speech in Prague: CSpan.
Many of us are old enough to remember WWII black out shades still on the windows of our elementary classrooms. We are old enough to remember the drills for nuclear war—coats taken out of cloakrooms that smelled of wool and rubber boots; coats taken into hallways and put over heads to protect us from nuclear war. For those of us who knew this, it is something that has never left us.
They called it MAD—Mutual Assured Destruction. and it assuredly was mad.
We can do better for our children and theirs. Can't we? From Foreign Policy in Focus, Darwin BondGraham and Will Parris Anti-nuclear Nuclearism.
Katrina vanden Heuvel: A Soldier’s Soul Screams ‘Get Out’. Remy Benoit
From Katrina vanden Heuvel at The Nation A Soldier’s Soul Screams ‘Get Out’.
The numbers she notes here are reminiscent of other numbers that kept climbing and climbing, adding names that would be carved into The Wall.
We seem to forget a close and elemental lesson that began in 1776 and went on for years with a ragtag army, not properly supplied, or paid, but victorious over the primary power of the time—namely the British Empire. That same Empire did not fare well in Afghanistan; nor did the once upon a time Soviet Empire.
We also have to ask ourselves what exactly we are doing there. Get Afghanistan Right.
ACLU: Ordering Pizza in 2010. Remy Benoit
From the ACLU Ordering a Pizza in 2010.
Julie Hanus: One Nation, Indivisible: Reconnecting the public with its public servants. Remy Benoit
From Julie Hanus at Utne One Nation, Indivisible: Reconnecting the public with its public servants.
For too long we have forgotten that they work for us; for too long have we forgotten that We are the People and as such good governance begins with us.
That includes sharing ideas; visions; skills; hands on work. And right now, some Victory Gardens to help balance budgets.
Off the couch, America and get to the business of democracy and a rational foreign policy.
Jeff Mason: New military electronic records to be model for US. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Mason, Reuters New military electronic records to be model for US.
Ron Smith: A Fraud That Makes Madoff Look Small Time. Remy Benoit
From Ron Smith, The Baltimore Sun, at Common Dreams A Fraud That Makes Madoff Look Small Time.
Bill Moyers Journal Moyers and William K. Black.
Eric Newhouse: Technique helps those with PTSD sleep again. Remy Benoit
From Eric Newhouse, Great Falls Tribune Technique helps those with PTSD sleep again.
You may read my review of Mr.Newhouse's book here Faces of Combat, PTSD and TBI: One Journalist's Crusade to Improve Treatment for Our Veterans. and you may join him here at Eric Newhouse.
Richard Cohen: Failures to Communicate. Remy Benoit
From Richard Cohen, The Washington Post, at Truthout Failures to Communicate.
What do you feel is the Bush legacy?
How do you think history will judge his presidency?
Meet Sgt. Andrew Brandi. Remy Benoit
He has some thoughts, ideas, suggestions that will help you through all the "things you have come to know" and are trying to deal with now.
You will find his book here too The Warrior's Guide to Insanity.
Brain injuries overdiagnosed?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Brain injuries overdiagnosed, Army officials say
Vets’ mild cases should be considered concussions instead, article suggests.
And there was no problem with Agent Orange?
William Rivers Pitt: Appomattox Again—Brent Lang: Texas Governor Floats Possibility of Secession. Remy Benoit
From Willima Rivers Pitt at Truthout Appomattox Again.
From Brent Lang at CBS Texas Governor Floats Possibility Of Secession.
The Mass Media is failing us, and failing us miserably, spreading dissention, spreading fear, spreading separation. The job of the Media is to present who, what, where, when, and why. The job of the Media is not to spew venom.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment. Remy Benoit
From Keith Olbermann at MSNBC Prosecuting for torture.
"Only following orders." We defined that at Nuremberg. Nuremberg Principles.
Wilmer J. Leon III: President Obama's New Approach to a New World Order?. Remy Benoit
From Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III at Truthout President Obama's New Approach to a New World Order?.
What remains to be seen is how the banks and corporations which are being bailed out with our money will change, or be forced to change. It is wrong for banks and credit card companies to charge people high interest when we are feeding money into their concerns. All would do better to lower the rates, pay off the debts, and thus function better financially.
This is an area where both the President and the Congress must stand up and pass legislation that outlaws usury.
Are you writing a book?. Remy Benoit
Have you decided to tell your story?
Do the words wake you in the middle of the night?
Is your pocket, your desk, your kitchen table buried in bits and pieces of paper with thoughts, with remembrances?
Do you need help pulling it all together?
If you do, then you are in the right place!
Visit with me at Are you writing a book?. Remy Benoit
Have you decided to tell your story?
Do the words wake you in the middle of the night?
Is your pocket, your desk, your kitchen table buried in bits and pieces of paper with thoughts, with remembrances?
Do you need help pulling it all together?
If you do, then you are in the right place!
Visit with me at Gentle Editing—Your Words, Your Way.
Veterans receive at 50% discount on editing fees—my way of saying Thank you.
Torture and Rumsfeld. Remy Benoit
From Brian Knowlton at the NY Times Report Gives New Detail on Approval of Brutal Techniques.
H.R. 1388. Remy Benoit
From Jennifer Lance at Red, Blue and Green HR 1388 “GIVE” Act Could Force Mandatory Service Requirement on All Young Americans.
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
John Cory: Torture. Remy Benoit
From John Cory at Truthout Torture.
Visit with this Viet Nam Veteran who makes words sing with truth at John Cory.
Challenging Policy in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
At You Tube:
Feingold Questions Colonel Andrew Bacevich(U.S. Army Ret. West Point)on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
National Guard to Mexican Border?. Remy Benoit
From Mary Beth Sheridan, Spencer S. Hsu and Steve Fainaru at The Washington Post Plan Would Deploy Guard Near Mexico
$350 Million Effort Aimed at Drug War.
And, again, where would they be for state emergencies? Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc.?
Personally, Blackwater, by any name, patroling the streets of N'Awlins didn't make me feel safe.
About the issue of illegal torture. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy News Obama and D.C. dance the torture minuet.
From Mark Seibel and Warren P. Strobel | McClatchy Newspapers CIA official: no proof harsh techniques stopped terror attacks on America.
From : Steve Weissman,Truthout, Perspective How Torture Worked to Sell the Iraq War.
Public Health Emergency. Remy Benoit
From CNN U.S. declares public health emergency as swine flu spreads.
Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR). Remy Benoit
Want to know how your enormous amounts of taxpayer money are being spent?
Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR).
From Michael Crowley at Reader's Digest Outrageous: Baghdad Boondoggle
Iraqi swindlers are plundering American millions--while their own oil money flows.
Keep in mind, when money is "mis-directed" our troops suffer. Contact Congress. if this makes you feel outraged!
Katrina vanden Heuvel: Chasing Ghosts in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Katrina vanden Heuvel at The Nation Chasing Ghosts in Afghanistan.
At You Tube Feingold Questions Colonel Andrew Bacevich on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Anand Gopal: Some Afghan rebels agree to government amnesty, job offer. Remy Benoit
From Anand Gopal, Christian Science Monitor at McClatchy Press Some Afghan rebels agree to government amnesty, job offer.
William Fisher: Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren't Going Away. Remy Benoit
From William Fisher at IPS Calls for Torture Inquiry Aren't Going Away.
Online Petition Special Prosecutor for Bush War Crimes.
How do you feel about torture; about violating treaties?
Do you feel it is a basic violation of who we say we are?
And, if we use torture how does it come back to our troops?
Here are some peoples' thoughts on the subject at Salon Letters to the Editor.
At Consortium News Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.
It is time to ask ourselves: Who are we? If we don't like the answer then we must change a number of things—and demand investigations at a criminal level.
Andrew Bacevich: Farewell the American Century. Remy Benoit
Col. Andrew Bacevich (U.S. Army Retired West Point) Farewell the American Century.
Jeremy Scahill: UN Reports on Torture. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill, Rebel Reports, at Common Dreams New UN Report Shows the US Combo of Torture and Impunity Thrives in Iraqi Prisons.
Bernie Horn: Banksters Win One, Lose One in Congress. Remy Benoit
From Bernie Horn, Campaign for America's Future Banksters Win One, Lose One in Congress.
Wake up America! Tell your Senators to stop letting the banks take usurious advantage of you!
Haven't they done enough damage on oh some many different fronts? Yes, this is a kind of battle front—their golden parachutes and the economic survival of the rest of us. Whatever bill is passed should also be retroactive to terms changed after people accepted the cards. How is it that you can't change things, but a bank can send you constant notes about changes to your agreement?
Stand up and fight back!
Contact Congress. If your Senator doesn't listen, remind them you vote!
Richard Haass: The Dilemma of Dissent. Remy Benoit
From Richard Haass at Newsweek The Dilemma of Dissent.
Dahr Jamail: US: Culture of Unpunished Sexual Assault in Military. Remy Benoit
From Dahr Jamail at IPS US: Culture of Unpunished Sexual Assault in Military.
Iraq, Afghanistan, Torture, and Response Ability. Remy Benoit
From Tom Andrews at Common Dreams The Missing Exit Strategy for Afghanistan.
From Agence France Presse at Common Dreams US Security Firm Blackwater Ends Iraq Operation.
From Jeremy Scahill at Rebel Reports A Response to Those Who Say Don't Prosecute Bush's Torture Lawyers.
From Chisun Lee at Pro Publica Government Could Destroy Records in Hundreds of Guantanamo Cases.
Eric Newhouse: Rehberg seeks troop counseling. Remy Benoit
From Eric Newhouse, Great Falls Tribune at Rehberg seeks troop counseling.
Jim Hightower: Populism is Not a Style, It's a People's Rebellion Against Corporate Power. Remy Benoit
From Jim Hightower, Hightower Lowdown, at Common Dreams Populism is Not a Style, It's a People's Rebellion Against Corporate Power.
Sayed Salahuddin: Afghan Parliament Wants Law to Curb Foreign Troops. Remy Benoit
From Sayed Salahuddin, Reuters, at Common Dreams Afghan Parliament Wants Law to Curb Foreign Troops.
Corey Kilgannon and Noam Cohen: . Remy Benoit
From Corey Kilgannon and Noam Cohen, NY Times Cadets Trade the Trenches for Firewalls.
Joe Galloway: Six Lessons for President Obama. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Six Lessons for President Obama.
Steve Weissman: Dick Cheney, Patron Saint of Torture-Free. Remy Benoit
From Steve Weissman at Truthout Dick Cheney, Patron Saint of Torture-Free.
Also, with Robert Parry at Consortium News Giving Some Love to the Inquisition.
Jeremy Rogalski: . Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Rogalski at KHOU Houston Some US soldiers forced to steal water in Iraq. Rations and problems trigger desperate measures to survive intense heat.
From Noam Chomsky at TomDispatch Why We Can't See the Trees or the Forest The Torture Memos and Historical Amnesia.
Chuck Todd: Obama v. Cheney. Remy Benoit
Video from Chuck Todd at MSNBC Obama and Cheney on National Security. "Enhanced interrogation" is simply a euphemism for torture, an activity against which we have signed treaties.
Mr. Cheney is no longer in office. He chose while in office to go to the "dark side" and we have to ask ourselves if we wish to follow him there. It seems that question was answered in the last election when these policies were overwhelmingly voted down.
We are a nation of laws, and that applies even to former vice-presidents. The question at bottom line is—is this man truly concerned with our security or his place in history as one who went one, or two, steps beyond what is acceptable while being concerned with national security. Torture is torture by any name.
Also from Thomas Ferraro at Reuters U.S. Army paid bonuses to KBR despite questions.
From CBS Some GIs Forced To Steal Water In Iraq.
How does not getting proper water to our soldiers add to national security—or their health and effectiveness?
White House: Reform for Our Troops. Remy Benoit
From the White House Blog Reform for Our Troops.
Memorial Day. Remy Benoit
May all our troops be blessed; may the service of all now and then be appreciated.
Perhaps this is one aspect of service that many are not aware of. From Sarah Lazare at Common Dreams Just One More Thing, Soldier
Afghanistan Troop Recall Policies.
And some thoughts from Chris Hedges, TruthDig at Common Dreams The Disease of Permanent War.
Artists For Workers Choice. Remy Benoit
At You Tube Artists For Workers Choice.
Bill Moyers and Michael Winship: Everyone Should See 'Torturing Democracy'. Remy Benoit
From Bill Moyers and Michael Winship at Common Dreams Everyone Should See 'Torturing Democracy'.
Anthony Shadid: U.S. occupation leaves cultural legacy in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Anthony Shadid, The Washington Post at MSNBC U.S. occupation leaves cultural legacy in Iraq From tattoos of Metallica to bellybutton piercings, the war has left its mark.
D-Day. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama remembers bravery of D-Day vets
Thousands of U.S. service members died 65 years ago during Allied invasion.
Joe Galloway: What's Up with Dick Cheney?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press What's Up With Dick Cheney?
Wayne Drash: The day I held a sobbing WWII medic in my arms. Remy Benoit
From Wayne Drash at CNN The day I held a sobbing WWII medic in my arms.
Cynthia Hubert: 15 months after bloodbath in Iraq, young veteran takes his life. Remy Benoit
From Cynthia Hubert, the Sacramento Bee 15 months after bloodbath in Iraq, young veteran takes his life.
Warren P. Strobel: Protests erupt as Iran declares huge win for Ahmadinejad. Remy Benoit
From Warren P. Strobel at McClatchy News Protests erupt as Iran declares huge win for Ahmadinejad.
Monica Yant Kinney: For troubled vets, a hard road to healing. Remy Benoit
From Monica Yant Kinney, the Philadelphia Inquirer For troubled vets, a hard road to healing.
Iranian Contested Election. Remy Benoit
Freedom comes at a high price; once attained it must constantly be protected.
Bob Sullivan: Iran's Web outage shows the Net's still fragile. Remy Benoit
From Bob Sullivan at MSNBC Iran's Web outage shows the Net's still fragile.
What is happening in Iran is important to the world. Stolen elections are blood drainers of peoples' freedoms and voices.
A free and open press and Internet are essential tools of the people to communicate within and without a country. If the Net in Iran can be manipulated then it is obvious that the same could be done here.
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout Challenging Ahmadinejad's "Win". This is a problem for the Iranian people to solve. Freedom hard won is freedom cherished.
We have been promised transparency in government but this is not transparency. From Bill Dedman at Common Dreams Obama Blocks List of Visitors to White House
Taking Bush's position, administration denies msnbc.com request for logs.
From Ari Berman at The Nation Iran's Twitter Revolution.
Mousavi calls for mass protest and day of mourning. Remy Benoit
From Warren P. Strobel and Jonathan S. Landay McClatchy Newspapers Iran's senior ayatollah slams election, confirming split. The voice of freedom in any language rings loud and clear.
Down History Lane With Aerial Photos. Remy Benoit
From English Russia WWII Aerial Photos.
Robert Shetterly:Courage, Commonsense, and the World Before Us Some Thoughts for High School Seniors. Remy Benoit
From Robert Shetterly at Common Dreams Courage, Commonsense, and the World Before Us Some Thoughts for High School Seniors.
These are not just thoughts for High School Seniors—they are thoughts for all of us—what a novel idea to live in the world using common sense with respect for each other and nature. Is this one of those things that is so right in front of us that we can't seem to see it?
Ali Akbar Dareini and Nasser Karimi: Witnesses Report Fierce Clashes on Tehran Streets. Remy Benoit
From Ali Akbar Dareini and Nasser Karimi, the AP at Truthout Witnesses Report Fierce Clashes on Tehran Streets.
Parisa Hafezi: Mousavi Calls for Purge of "Lies". Remy Benoit
From Parisa Hafezi, Reuters at Truthout Mousavi Calls for Purge of "Lies".
Jamie Doward, Gaby Hinsliff and Mark Townsend: Confidential memo reveals US plan to provoke an invasion of Iraq. Remy Benoit
Jamie Doward, Gaby Hinsliff and Mark Townsend, Guardian, UK Confidential memo reveals US plan to provoke an invasion of Iraq.
Just Foreign Policy. Remy Benoit
From Just Foreign Policy Congress Should Require an Exit Strategy from Afghanistan.
Bob Herbert: Who Are We?. Remy Benoit
From Bob Herbert, the New York Times, at Common Dreams Who Are We?.
Also from Helen Thomas, Albany Times Union at Common Dreams Obama Running Scared.
We were promised openness in this administration. It is a promise that must be kept to hold on to credibility.
Bitta Mostofi and Bill Quigley: Time for Solidarity with Iran. Remy Benoit
From Bitta Mostofi and Bill Quigley at Truthout Time for Solidarity With Iran.
What if the people of the free world sent the message that the whole world is watching very simply by wearing green armbands? The ruler of Iran is a danger to world peace. Where is the international voice of support from people?
From Jeff Severns Guntzel at UTNE Three Ways to Support the Pro-Democracy Protesters in Iran.
Iranian Women On Front Lines of Protest. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Iranian women fight on the frontlines of protest Shoulder to shoulder with men, wearing headscarves, armed with rocks.
Happy 4th of July!. Remy Benoit
This country was founded, grown, by "can do" people. While you celebrate today, honor them; honor the millions who have given all on battlefields to protect your freedom.
What else can you do today besides munch on burgers and hot dogs? You can pledge to be the best you can be—pledge to be all you can be to honor all those who led you to where you are.
Join Maira Kalman to meet one of the most amazing of our Founding Fathers—Thomas Jefferson And the Pursuit of Happiness.
And then go to the Library of Congress to see others who have paved the way for you, just as you must pave the way for others. Library of Congress Photo Stream.
Dr. Ed Tick: War and the Soul. Remy Benoit
Join Dr. Tick for some stories about you, about PTSD Dr. Ed Tick.
Nancy A. Youssef: Afghans: Taliban have escaped Helmand and Marines. Remy Benoit
From Nancy A. Youssef, McClatchy Press Afghans: Taliban have escaped Helmand and Marines.
Joe Galloway: Commentary: 100,000 reasons to shed no tears for McNamara. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Commentary: 100,000 reasons to shed no tears for McNamara.
Women of Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Rethink Afghanistan at Common Dreams Women of Afghanistan.
Why is there no national mourning for those who die serving our freedom?. Remy Benoit
I was called in to see a segment on CBS Sunday Morning. It was a video made by an aunt about her 24-year-old nephew, Brian Bradshaw, who died in Afghanistan on June 25, killed by an IED. Martha Gillis: A Life Lost Out of the Spotlight While a Nation and World Paid Tribute to a Passing Singer, a Small Town Mourned a Young Soldier Killed in Afghanistan.
Ms. Gillis was right to question why we do not mourn those who lives are taken each and every day; why we are not there for whose lives are shattered by spinal injuries, by TBI, by PTSD.
Perhaps they are too "remote" from us if they are not one of our nuclear family. Yet we also have a huge national family that should be there to mourn, to sit with families who suffer loses; to help soldiers returning with life altering injuries—at physical, spiritual, mental, and soul level.
Too remote? Let us bring them onto your screen, keeping in mind that each and every one of these soldiers was an individual with a family, with dreams, with a life cut short.
From CNN Forces: U.S. & Coalition Casualties.
Do you dare to look at their faces and know that you have done nothing to help them, their families, their brothers and sisters in arms? Perhaps it is time to get off the couch. Here is a good place to start doing something. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Here is another place to use your voice for a rational foreign policy, for care for our Veterans. Demand openness in governmental decisions—they impact on our national family, and just maybe on your nuclear one. White House.
Remind Secretary Shinseki Veterans Administration. that you are here demanding that what needs to be done for our Veterans must be done—that is the first Order of the Day!
Stephen de Tarczynski: Q&A: "The Killing of Women Is Like Killing a Bird Today in Afghanistan". Remy Benoit
From Stephen de Tarczynsk, IPS, Q&A: "The Killing of Women Is Like Killing a Bird Today in Afghanistan".
A Woman Among Warlords: The Extraordinary Story of an Afghan Who Dared to Raise Her Voice.
From Dahr Jamail, Truthout Afghanistan War Resister to "Put the War on Trial".
Also from Seymour Hersh The Man Who Knew Cheney's Secret.
Maya Schenwar: PTSD Ignored on Active Duty. Remy Benoit
From Maya Schenwar at Truthout PTSD Ignored on Active Duty.
New Study on Vet Mental Disorders. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com New Study to Examine Vet Disorders.
Your voice is needed to support our Veterans. You must demand proper care, no new tours for those suffering PTSD. These people are part of our extended family. Contact The White House. and while you are doing that demand adequate and pure water in sufficient quantities for our soldiers who are developing kidney problems from lack of water.
From IAVA: Problems Faced by Women in the Military. Remy Benoit
Walter Cronkite. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Cronkite to be buried in Missouri
After funeral in New York, honored newsman will rest next to late wife.
Rest well, Uncle Walter. May memories of you and your work inspire other journalists to tell the truth. God Bless.
Bush Mulled Sending Troops to Buffalo. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Bush Mulled Sending Troops to Buffalo.
From Eyewitness to History Bonus Army.
Traumatic Brain Injury. Remy Benoit
From Mainichi News, Japan 52 percent of U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan diagnosed with TBI.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: Do you have a story you want to tell?. Remy Benoit
If you do have a story, and it seems sure that each and every one of you does, this just might be the place you would like to share it. You may include your name with the story, or ask to have it told anonymously.
May I introduce the man in charge of this project, the proceeds of which will go to help you who have served in these two combat areas—Clayton D. Murwin:
My name is Clayton D. Murwin I am a freelance comic book artist. I have been working on a project since last June to help our soldiers
who have fallen and or been injured in the Iraq & Afghanistan war. I am putting together a Graphic Novel called Untold Stories From Iraq &
Afghanistan.Using the real life experiences from the soldiers that have served in the wars. I have been gathering together both main
stream and independent artist, writers etc., in the Comic book Industry To help with this endeavor. We are all donating our times services and talents.
All the proceeds from the sale of the Graphic Novel will go to 4 charities listed below:
(1)USO
(2)The Wounded Warrior Project
(3)Fisher House Foundation .
(4)Soldiers Memorial Fund
I wanted to print 5000 copies of this book on the initial print run but unfortunately the printing cost for the book is $6,294.00 for 5000 copies it is a B&W Graphic Novel with color cover through Morgan Printing who gave me the cheapest rate of everyone I have contacted. We had a Fund Raiser to help offset the printing cost of the book and to raise money for the charities to help the soldiers on June 13th of this year but it was not very successful, we only had 8 people show up for it.
So I have had to rework my thoughts on the initial print run to something I am more able to afford initially.So I have decided to do a 1000 copy initial print run. This is where I would like your help and support by spreading the word to everyone you know of what I am trying to accomplish to support our members of our military. I have several different ideas that I would ask you to consider to help us help the soldiers, You can choose which one would best suit you or you can choose none and I would understand completely.
1) Public support of what we are trying to do.By possibly posting our project to help the soldiers on your websites and emailing to your friends
2) If you know a publisher or printer that would be willing to help me publish this book at a greatly reduced cost I would be very appreciative As I am trying to do this on my own with limited financial resources.
3) Anyone interested in donating or helping fund any part of this project would be very welcomed to speak with me personally.
I am not doing this for my own gain or recognition I am doing this from my heart, as I feel far to often our men and women in uniform are taken for granted, I have the utmost respect for them and want to try to give a little something here at home. I have never attempted anything like this before I am a small person with a big heart who just wants to try and help our brave men and women serving this country. And any advice would be well appreciated as well. I would like to take this time to Thank you for any consideration given in this request.Below are all the links to information and websites.
Sincerely
Clayton D. Murwin
LINKS:
Main Website for the Graphic Novel:
Untold Stories from Iraq & Afghanistan: A Graphic Novel.
New Website for the Graphic Novel: Heroes Fallen Blogspot.
Heroes Fallen Fund: (Working towards making this the non-profit)Heroes Fallen Fund.
Groups for Graphic Novel:
Facebook Groups for Untold Stories from Iraq & Afghanistan: A Graphic Novel.
--
Clayton D. Murwin
AKA
The Hero Maker: I create life one line at a time.
From the UK: Lower Benefits for Veterans?. Remy Benoit
This from Yahoo News, UK, Anger at bid to cut soldier payouts.
Why can't we "get it" here, as apparently they can't "get it" in the UK, that our soldiers are our children grown, our husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, etc. who lay it ALL on the line for us? They are entitled to the absolute best we can give them, not cuts, not shame, not hurt from us.
The shame is on us.
Use your voice, to your Congressmen, to your Member of the House of Commons, or Lords, or Presidents, Prime Ministers, whoever and where ever. ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR VETS!
To learn more about the position of Veterans in the UK, please visit with my good buddy, Tony McNally at Rogue Gunner: Thoughts of a Falklands Veteran>
Joe Galloway: Commentary: Lessons of Vietnam applicable to today. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Commentary: Lessons of Vietnam applicable to today.
Iran Tries Protestors. Remy Benoit
Hamid Shalizi: Afghan Poll Workers Ambushed; US Soldiers Killed . Remy Benoit
From Hamid Shalizi, Reuters, at Truthout Afghan Poll Workers Ambushed; US Soldiers Killed.
From Colonel Andrew Bacevich (U.S. Army Ret.) at Newsweek The Things We Need to Do Now.
Richard's Coffee Shop: A Must Place for Veterans to Share a Cuppa. Remy Benoit
I have it on the best authority that this is a must visit place for all of you who have served.
Sit down with a cuppa, share memories, see generations of war and service remembrances all around you. Share your story and feel Welcomed Home.
Richard's Coffee Shop: The Most Patriotic Coffee Shop in the County.
A Passing: Anthony P. Rodriguez Jr.. Remy Benoit
Yesterday my three children lost their father: Anthony P. Rodriguez, Jr. (U.S. Army) after a twenty-one month battle with pancreatic cancer.
I am more than aware of how many of our Veterans, especially those of Viet Nam suffer from this wretched, and at the moment, incurable cancer. We must demand in depth research, not only for pancreatic cancer, but for all forms of cancer.
As to this passing, I invite you to join my son, Paul M. Rodriguez at The Ruricolist. for his Eulogy for his Dad.
Tony, go with God and find peace.
Lodge offers space for spiritual healing. Remy Benoit
From Kevin Graman, The Spkesman-Review Lodge offers space for spiritual healing.
John Cory: Requiem for a Man. Remy Benoit
John Cory at Truthout Requiem for a Man: In Honor of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Please join John for more of his soul touching writing at John Cory: Welcome to My Word.
Joe Galloway: Regrets for My Lai massacre decades late. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Regrets for My Lai massacre decades late.
John Cory: Money and Health. Remy Benoit
From John Cory at Truthout Money and Health.
Jeremy Scahill: Another Mysterious Electrocution Death in Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill at The Nation Another Mysterious Electrocution Death in Iraq.
Elan Miller: Was Hitler's Beetle actually designed by a Jew?. Remy Benoit
From Elan Miller at the Jersusalem Post Was Hitler's Beetle actually designed by a Jew?.
Absolute Travesty: All Philadelphia Libraries Closing Due to Lack of Funds. Remy Benoit
Shame on you Harrisburg, shame!
I grew up in Philadelphia; was graduated from Northeast High in 1964.
I could not even begin to count the number of hours I spent in Philadelphia Libraries; I could not begin to count the number of books I borrowed and read.
Ben Franklin must be rolling over in his grave in pure despair when the first free library in this country is closing its doors.
Shame, shame, shame on you Harrisburg!
All Free Library of Philadelphia Branch, Regional and Central Libraries Closed Effective Close of Business October 2, 2009.
Contact Governor Edward G. Rendell.
Joe Galloway—Powell Doctrine in Afghanistan?. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway, McClatchy Press Afghanistan isn't worth one more American life.
And as one reader commented, not another Afghani life.
Swine Flu Vaccine. Remy Benoit
From Newsweek Swine-Flu Vaccine: 11 Things You Need to Know Why many people may need two shots, and other essential information.
Nancy A. Youssef : White House Issues Yardsticks for Success in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Nancy A. Youssef, McClatchy Press at Truthout White House Issues Yardsticks for Success in Afghanistan.
Yet another quagmire—Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Steven Thomma, Jonathan S. Landay and David Lightman a the McClatchy Newspapers More U.S. troops to Afghanistan? Obama's caught in a vise.
The President is not the only one caught in a vise, our troops are.Joe Galloway: Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Afghanistan: Heads I win; tails you lose, Mr. President.
What, precisely is victory in Afghanistan? Who is defining that, and at what cost?
Request for more troops to Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Nancy A. Youssef, McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout US Commander in Afghanistan Submits Request for More Troops.
Why do I have the feeling we have been here before?
Support Our Troops: Be Foster Families for Their Pets. Remy Benoit
From Melody McDonald, Fort Worth Star-Telegram at McClatchy Press Another way to support the troops: Foster their pets.
It Can't Happen Here—Don't Bet on It.. Remy Benoit
One of our most basic rights is Freedom of Assembly which goes along with the also blood earned Freedom of Speech.
Somehow devices like these to be used here, indeed, used anywhere, don't seem to me the kinds of things that our soldiers fight for when they fight to open others to the Freedoms of Speech and Assembly and to protect our rights to those.
I find these "devices" deeply disturbing.
From Mike Ferner at Truthout Robocops Come to Pittsburgh.
Can you spare a dollar or so?. Remy Benoit
I know these are hard times for many of us, but there are those who are suffering absolute devastation and perhaps together we can help to ease their suffering.
I have been in contact with a friend in the Philippines, and while he assures me that he and his family have suffered "only" mud and water in their home, there are many areas there where the water is still neck deep and the people need food, medicine, clothes, and shelter.
Please, whatever you can spare direct here: Catholic Relief. and the agency will direct your dollars where you want them to go.
And do please keep all who are suffering anywhere in your prayers. The world we envision, the world we help to create, will be the world we live in.
Keith Olbermann: Special Comment on Health Care Reform. Remy Benoit
Keith is really speaking to the issue and to the right to affordable health care. Health care reform: Saving American lives.
And speaking of health care, shouldn't women who are raped, indeed, gang raped, be entitled to care and legal representation even if they work for Halliburton/KBR? Senator Al Franken thinks so, and so do I.
At Think Progress Franken Wins Bipartisan Support For Legislation Reining In KBR’s Treatment Of Rape.
Obama and Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at Just Foreign Policy Team Obama: Afghan Taliban Not a Threat to U.S.
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize. Remy Benoit
Robert Parry: Health Insurers Threaten Rate Hikes. Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News
Health Insurers Threaten Rate Hikes.
Robert Naiman: McChrystal's 40,000 Troop Hoax. Remy Benoit
Robert Naiman at Just Foreign Policy McChrystal's 40,000 Troop Hoax.
Joe Galloway: Now's the time for Obama to just say 'no'. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Now's the time for Obama to just say 'no'.
Applebee's—Vets Eat Free on Veterans Day!. Remy Benoit
From Applebee's THANK YOU! All Veterans and Active Duty Military Eat Free On Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11.
Endless War?. Remy Benoit
From Tom Hayden at Truthout Kilcullen's Long War.
Wouldn't green energy and looking for what binds us rather than what tears us apart make more sense?
Joe Galloway: Hope Gives Way to 'No, We Can't'. Remy Benoit
From Joe Galloway at McClatchy Press Commentary: Hope gives way to 'No, We Can't'.
The real question is why we can't? Are we calling, writing, our Representatives and Senators? Are we telling them get it right or goodbye? Do we demand investigations of possible criminal violations of our Constitution? Do we know where Iraq and Afghanistan even are on the map? Do we care about our soldiers in combat or do we just like yellow bumper stickers?
The point is the President needs us behind him, in clear voice, with clear demands, and with clear truth and consequences made known to law makers.
My folks are in the donut hole; how many folks have no hole even to fall into without any health insurance? Casualty rates go up in these wars and how many or you can truly define our objectives in either of them?
When will we understand that the U.S. is a family, a community and function together for the good of all of us and the world? We are all responsible for each other.
Pipe Ceremony to Honor All Veterans. Remy Benoit
From Native Gatherings Pipe Ceremony to Honor All Veterans.
If the old ways are new to you, join the Pipe Ceremony and learn a new perspective on life.
Military Suicides Increase. Remy Benoit
From Yochi J. Dreazen at The Wall Street Journal Suicide Toll Fuels Worry That Army Is Strained.
"Stand By Me". Remy Benoit
This is one you don't want to miss—a reminder that we are truly all one. Stand By Me. From Tierney Sutton at the Concord Music Group.
Lest We Forget: Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
I came across this lovely piece and thought it would be nice to share with you. I understand the never throwing things away, as my folks were in the Big One too.
From Live Science and Robert Roy Britt, Editorial Director this piece from last D-Day. Still Valuable: WWII Ration Coupons.
Going Back to Viet Nam. Remy Benoit
From Moni Basu at CNN Troubled vet journeys back to Vietnam -- to offer help.
This comment from Ted Englemann., photo-journalist and Viet Nam historian:
Moni Basu writes on 14 November about former Marine, Kevin Roberts returning to Viet Nam (the proper spelling) to help others. The Vietnamese do not hold American war veterans responsible for the war, but our leaders: Johnson, Kissinger, Nixon, and others.
I doubt Mr. Roberts will have any difficulties in Viet Nam. Since my first return to Viet Nam in 1989, as an American war veteran I have been treated better in Viet Nam than my own country.
For Mr. Roberts and other veterans thinking about going to Viet Nam, they can receive treatment for service-connected PTSD from Dr. Carl Sternberg, an American therapist residing in Ha Noi. Expenses will be covered by the VA-Foreign Medical Program.
Being in Viet Nam can be a very therapeutic part of getting your life back. By itself the trip to Viet Nam doesn’t cure, but it certainly helps. Good luck to Kevin Roberts.
Ted Engelmann
A Million Dollars a Soldier= $40 Billion a Year??. Remy Benoit
From Christopher Drew, NY Times, at MSNBC Obama eyes Afghan costs: $1 million per soldier
Officials estimate that 40,000 troops would mean at least $40 billion a year.
Still waiting on a true definition of success; still waiting on the exit plans for both war fronts.
Harry Reid and Veterans . Remy Benoit
Not Enough on Many U.S. Tables. Remy Benoit
From Brian Knowlton, NY Times, at MSNBC Hunger in U.S. at a 14-year high NYT: 1 in 7 households struggles to put enough food on table.
What is wrong with the Congress, with the White House, that more is not being done?
Yesterday I met a woman who through no fault of her own lost her job, lost her health insurance, lost her home. She is not being bailed out. And yes, she has a couple part time jobs now, no health insurance, and still not enough income to live a decent life. Americans are not lazy—they are suffering from the overwhelming, and obviously unrelenting, greed of a few.
And yet Congress stalls, fusses, argues the merits of health insurance; won't consider something like a new WPA or CCC—yet loans billions to those responsible for this mess?
We need to re-assess our thinking about all of this; about endless war; about a million dollars a day per solider to carry it on in Afghanistan.
We need to re-assess our purpose in these endless wars; we need to re-assess who we are and where we are going.
We need to re-assess how much more we will give to the war profiteers who block the rights of raped women.
Wake up, America.
The Real Question is Why 18 Veterans a Day, 6500 a Year Take Their Own Lives. Remy Benoit
From Pauline Jelinek, AP, at Yahoo News Army suicides to top 2008, but progress reported.
Could the answers be in unclear goals of combat; in unrecognized and, indeed, discouraged PTSD; in prolonged service exacerbated by family problems at home do to it? There could be other reasons.
Perhaps those of you who know, will share your thoughts with us and with the White House.
Progressive Caucus to President Obama. Remy Benoit
War Lessons. Remy Benoit
From Ray McGovern at Consortium News Afghan Lessons from the Iraq War.
From CNN Afghanistan and Iraq Casualties.
Just as a reminder:
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has 58,000+ names of dead American soldiers engraved 1 cm high. The total length of the Wall is 150 meters long.
If all the names of the Vietnamese lost during the American War were etched 1 cm high on a similar wall, that wall would be 14 kilometers long.
(Note: that is 14 kilometers = 8.69919669 miles)
From the introduction, pg 14, Viet Nam: A Country at Peace, by Philip Jones Griffiths, 2007.
Corps Held Responsible for Katrina Flooding. Remy Benoit
Service and non-service related asbestos illness. Remy Benoit
From Asbestos. com Assistance for Veterans and Others Suffering from Mesothelioma.
There is help all around. Please do seek out help if you need it with dealing with the VA.
Lessons of Korea and Vietnam. Remy Benoit
From Douglas Valentine at Consortium News Learning the Wrong Vietnam Lessons.
From Evan Thomas and John Barry at Newsweek The Surprising Lessons of Vietnam.
From Ray McGovern at Consortium News Should Obama Fire Gen. McChrystal?.
Nation Wide Call in Monday Against Escalation in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Happy Thanksgiving!. Remy Benoit
From our house to yours, to those of you in a combat zone, our wishes for a blessed, safe, and abundant Thanksgiving.
Miz' Remy
Studs Terkel. Remy Benoit
From Jeff Severns Guntzel at Utne Reader Read Studs Terkel's FBI File.
30,000 + More?. Remy Benoit
From Mark Murray at MSNBC First thoughts: Obama's challenges">First thoughts: Obama's challenges.
How long, at what cost in lives, do we fight a forever war? This entire situation has been badly handled since the beginning. How does adding more lives correct that? Have we learned nothing? More was expected of you, Mr. President; not the same old, same old.
Truthout: Surge in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Will Afghanistan Strategy WorK?. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Obama’s Afghan plan represents big gamble
Weak partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan raise questions about strategy.
For a people to be free, that desire must come from them. Is that the case in Afghanistan? Why must they be taught how to take up arms?
Have we considered all possibilities before, before, once again, 30,000 more? How will 30,000 more win "hearts and minds?"
Blackwater. Remy Benoit
From Adam Ciralsky at Vanity Fair Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy.
What happens if we lose control of companies like this?
Wreaths Across America. Remy Benoit
Honor those who have served and given all.
They gave all their time, you can find a few moments to honor them.
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/">Wreaths Across America.
Freedom's Voice. Remy Benoit
Veterans for Common Sense: Obama's Responsibility. Remy Benoit
VCS Editorial: Obama’s Wars, Obama’s Casualties, Obama’s Responsibilities.
Vague Withdrawl Timetable. Remy Benoit
From Reuters Obama aides defend ambitious Afghan scale-up.
Kucinich: War Powers Act. Remy Benoit
Dennis Kucinich "I Have Seen The Slow & Steady Erosion Of The Constitution Of The United States!'
More mental health care so needed for soliders. Remy Benoit
From Dahr Jamail at IPS US: Soldiers Forced to Go AWOL for PTSD Care.
Ted Engelmann—Embedded in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Join photo/journalist, historian Ted Engelmann for his blog while in Afghanistan Afghan Embed.
Wreaths Across America. Remy Benoit
From MSNBC Wreaths Across America.
Jeremy Schaill: War Contractor Numbers. Remy Benoit
From Jeremy Scahill, Rebel Reports, at Truthout
Stunning Statistics About the War Every American Should Know.
Former S.C. Senator Fritz Hollings: They're All Against Jobs . Remy Benoit
At the Huffington Post They're All Against Jobs.
Perhaps if you are job hunting, well, you should see that some in the House and Senate are job hunting soon too, along with the lobbyists who are standing in your way of making an honest living.
Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen HQ "This Land is Your Land" "We Are One" Obama Inaugural.
Stand up, America and tell "them" who is the Boss!
National Priorities Project Total Cost of Wars Since 2001.
From Pauline Jelinek at Huffington Post Soldier Suicides This Year To Top Those In 2008.
What is all of this trying to tell us?
Why won't we listen?
When was the last time you saw "Made in the U.S.A."?
When was the last time you helped a soldier or a Veteran?
When was the last time you called your Senator, or the White House?
Marjorie Cohn: Obama's Af-Pak War Is Illegal. Remy Benoit
From Marjorie Cohn at Truthout Obama's Af-Pak War Is Illegal.
This piece should generate conversation, and thought.
In January Dennis Kucinich will introduce legislation re: The War Powers Act. to try to restore the Constitutional prerogative of declaring war to the House of Representatives where the Founders assigned it.
Merry Christmas. Remy Benoit
May your lives be blessed with health, joy, abundance and peace.
Miz' Remy
Happy New Year. Remy Benoit
A Blessed and Abundant New Year to all.
Be the peace you want in the world.
And VOTE VETS!
Miz' Remy
The Tao of War Photography. Remy Benoit
From Utne Reader and the Editors, Bruce Haley: The Tao of War Philosophy.
U.S. Troop Deaths Soar in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC U.S. troop deaths soar in Afghanistan in 2009
Spike in deaths comes as additional troops being pouring in for offensive.
Bob Greene: Where is the shared sacrifice of war?. Remy Benoit
From CNN, Bob Greene Where's the shared sacrifice of war?
My comment here is simple: I feel "half-forgotten" is a gross underestimation. Shame on us.
A RIFLEMAN FIRST by Sgt. Michael Pectol (U.S. Army Ret.). Remy Benoit
Coming soon a walk down Memory Lane with Sgt. Pectol, 2/77 Artillery. Focus Commo, and some very important Tropic Lightning in his A RIFLEMAN FIRST.
Stay with me for more on this!
A Looming VERY Important Ruling RE: AO, Heart Disease, Parkinsons, and More. Remy Benoit
From Tom Philpott at Military.com Costly Agent Orange-Heart Disease Link Looms.
When we speak of cost, we tend to speak in dollars, not in the cost of the terrible illnesses of our sons, daughters, husbands and wives. We do not think of their pain, of the pain for their families. This ruling is about 40 years in the making. How many of our Viet Nam Veterans could not get the care they needed from Agent Orange related problems? We are very fast to send them, not so fast, not so dedicated to taking care of them. Shame on us.
How many newly made Veterans, active duty soldiers, are not getting the PTSD care they need?
If you don't know, find out, and use your voice for them demanding care.
Multiple Deployments—More PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Mary Susan Littlepage at Truthout Multiple Deployments Lead to Major Increase in PTSD Cases, New Study Says.
Another Study that states the obvious.
The question is—are we going to stand up and get these people who have put it all on the line the care they need?
From MSNBC The Best and Worst Years of My Life. AP Press News and Raul Gallego Abellan.
William MCGurn: A Salute to West Point. Remy Benoit
From Willima McGurn, The Wall Street Journal A Salute To West Point.
Maybe 300-500 Casualties a Month in Afghanistan?. Remy Benoit
From Mary Susan Littlepage at Truthout
Retired Army General Predicts 300 to 500 Casualties Per Month in Afghanistan.
Cain Burdeau: Louisiana Indian village holds out against plea to move. Remy Benoit
From Cain Burdeau, the AP, at Indian Country Today Louisiana Indian village holds out against plea to move.
Why is it so hard for us to understand that we must live with the land, with nature, instead of in opposition to it? We are losing our wetlands, as are so many others. They are the barriers against the force of the hurricanes. In allowing them to be lost, we are agreeing to lose our homes, our way of life. Wake up and treat the earth with respect.
For more articles on Louisiana related articles Newsvine.
Afghan Civilian Deaths Soar at Hands of Taliban. Remy Benoit
from Rayn Grim at Huffington Post Civilian Casualties Soar; Key Afghan Metric Headed In Wrong Direction.
A Temporary Lull. Remy Benoit
Evening Ya'll,
I am recovering from a bit a of heart attack, so I will be easing back for a few weeks on here. Please, though, if you come across something that you want to share, just put it in Comments and I will follow through with you.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Oil in all the wrong places. Remy Benoit
Hello again! I am recovering well from my heart attack and it is good to be back at work here.
I sent this editorial out to 5 large newspapers because here in Louisiana we are horrified by the oil spill and the ineffective methods of dealing with its destruction so reminiscent of our post-Katrina world. Using garbage to stop it? Please,no.
Thus, please consider this an open letter to all. This is a national crisis of major proportions and to fix it, to say NEVER AGAIN, we must work together. Your suggestions are most welcome here.
Blessings to all, and yes, it is good to be "home" here.
Miz' Remy
We have been given the great gift of life, the great gift of being caretakers of a beautiful planet. We are not living up to that responsibility.
I am about a two hour drive from the Gulf, planting an heirloom garden, putting out hundreds of earthworms to tend to the soil; letting loose hundreds of lady bugs; composting. And yet, just two hours from here we have an inferno blazing away, the worst yet to come, not just for us, but for the rest of the Gulf Coast, for the East Coast; and yet, like wars we start with no exit plan, there is no effective "exit plan" to deal with the horror generated in the Gulf that is devouring our wetlands, eating our wildlife, and changing life forever on this planet.
Changing life forever.
We know as humans that our lives are finite; we don't seem to know that our finite lives have a responsibility to leave behind a healthy planet for at least the proverbial seven generations.
Any corporation that does not accept its responsibility for those seven generations must be educated, even if that means the responsibility devours their checkbooks and balance sheets. The caps law is unacceptable; those who voted for it are unacceptable; those who lobbied for it are unacceptable.
Oily shrimp, closed fishing grounds, dying wetlands and dying wildlife are unacceptable.
What exactly does it take for our legislators, for our corporations to GET IT?
We are caretakers of this small blue planet. Those who generated this horror need to accept full responsibility no matter what it takes, even if it takes all they have in their vaults. This oil is taking all we have. GET IT?
Atlantis?. Remy Benoit
The debate over whether Atlantis existed has been a topic of fascination for centuries. But there is another Atlantis, about 200 miles south of N'Awlins and the question is whether it is vulnerable to literally exploding overnight. So, as the oil is creeping into our beloved bayous, as we find a dead brown pelican today, we have this to consider from Jason Leopold at Truthout.
It will take the voice of this nation to make things the way they should be to protect our shores, our seafood, our wetlands and wildlife. If you think this won't impact on your if you don't live near the water, think again about where you food comes from. Our ports!
Whistleblower: BP Risks More Massive Catastrophes in Gulf
Memorial Day. Remy Benoit
To all of you who have and are serving, thank you and God Bless.
From Military.com The History of Memorial Day.
A Rifleman First. Remy Benoit
It has been my privilege to serve as editor for Sgt. Michael Pectol's forthright account of the life of a soldier serving in the war in Viet Nam.
He takes you there, day by day, through the boredom of war; through the nerve draining, body shattering heat of combat. He takes you there through the constant knowledge that the enemy is there, waiting, planning, to make this your last day, to make your dreams expire in torn flesh and bleeding out bodies.
He brings tears to your eyes with the reality of war; he makes you laugh with the antics of an irascible monkey.
He makes you know that war is insanity, cruelty, and horror.
He opens your eyes to the realities of war.
He opens your eyes to love, to those waiting at home, worried, caring, fearing.
He opens your eyes to the joys of real hot showers, of food that does not come out of a can left over from a previous war; he opens your eyes to the joy of clean sheets and clean bodies; he opens your eyes to the things those at home take for granted while those who serve do without.
Sgt. Mikie's words are caught in the moment by the on site, real time, pictures of Sgt. Christopher Gaynor which he has so graciously shared for your enlightenment. Sgt. Chris is truly one of the bravest men I have the honor of knowing.
Read with your eyes open; read with your heart knowing this is what we send ours to while we go to get that first cup of double mocha latte.
It is my privilege to present to you from Front Porch History Press A Rifleman First.
Reader reviews for your perusal:
A personal, close, and in depth look at Vietnam. Written in the first person. Good read with its soul touching accounts of the trials and tribulations of the Vietnam war and the hardships there after returning home.
M.G. Kuehlewind, fellow 2/77FA veteran 1969 - 1970 on A Riflemen First by
Sgt. Mike Pectol.
Rolling Thunder. Remy Benoit
From Motorcylce USA Rolling Thunder.
A dear friend of mine, a former student, was on his way to a church in D.C. where his composition was to be played yesterday. He almost didn't make it there on time because they ran into thousands of motorcycle drivers honoring our Veterans. He says it was quite, quite moving. And yes, they just made it to the church on time!
Way back in '68 when he was about 12 in my classroom, I knew that young boy would grow into a wonderful man. He has, by every standard of judgment possible. His music touches heart and soul, just as he does. Michael Levanios: Another View. Try Another View. It is always good to try another view—that is how we grow.
Thanks for the heads up on this one, Michael. We must all keep the thunder rolling for our Veterans.
What are you doing today to honor our Veterans? Have you ever considered Memorial Day from the view point of our Veterans? Try it. It just might make you go out and thank one!
Leonard Earl Johnson: America's Third Coast. Remy Benoit
From Leonard Earl Johnson, Les Amis de Marigny, New Orleans America's Third Coast.
From Renee Schoof and Erica Bolstad, McClatchy Press BP Well May Be Spewing 100,000 Barrels a Day, Scientist Says.
Environmental Defense Fund Video of Gulf. Remy Benoit
Sam Parry, Video of Gulf in the Green Room.
What can I tell you? Our hearts are breaking, lives and home being wrecked.
How can they do what they do without know what to do when they let this happen?
20 Billion Dollars, spread over time, doesn't answer that question; doesn't save the environment nor the lives of people who truly know how to live with it.
Live on C-Span, Tony Hayward: CEO of BP.
"Spill in the Gulf of Mexico never should have happened and I am deeply sorry"
So are we, Mr. Hayward, so are we. BP does not have a good record for safety. Ask your Senators why they are allowed to drill. Ask your Senators about waivers.
This is our country, our environment, and this ongoing spill is disastrous for all of us.
Perhaps Mr. Hayward should get a pink slip like so many others these days.
McChrystal. Remy Benoit
From Michael Hastings at Rolling Stone The Runaway General.
Warning: Adult language.
Michelle Obama on Military Families. Remy Benoit
From the First Lady Supporting Our Military Families.
Where do your brothers live?. Remy Benoit
The IAVA thought you might want to know where to find your fellow Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. So, here you are Home States of America's Newest Heroes.
VA in Missouri Has Some Serious Issues. Remy Benoit
From Indy Press and Tamara Woods VA Hospital May Have Exposed Vets To HIV (VIDEO.
As the Impact of the Oil Spill Begins to Impact Lake Ponchartrain. Remy Benoit
From Seize BP and the Partnership for Civil Justice Fun A Demand for Freedom of Information Regarding the Oil Spill.
From Christine Harvey at the Times Picayune Some blame dispersants for movement of tar balls into Lake Pontchartrain.
What does it take to get through to these people, this is our/your state, our/your water, our/your wetlands. Anyone who can help should be there. If locals can clean this up in their own areas as many are doing, why can't a mega-corporation get its act together and do it? They have no right to block access to reporters who must be able to tell us what is going on in our backyard! What are they afraid of? Truth always comes out. Let's cut to the chase and get some.
The Federal Government must stop saying no to things that can reduce the impact of this horror show. This isn't just Louisiana's problem. This is a problem for the entire Gulf Coast and East Coast. It is a problem for the entire country. From Governor Bobby Jindal at Gov Monitor Governor Jindal Says Quick Action Needed To Save Gulf Coast.
And another thought for our generation of the wonders of Agent Orange. Just how safe are these dispersants or are we living on borrowed time in that area again?
Where is the YES, WE CAN? If we need to, form a new CCC, form a new WPA, but get the job done and stop shuffling paper. Not only would that help the Gulf Coast, it would lower the obscene unemployment figures. And yes, let BP et.al. pay the wages and benefits. While we are at it, look for those in the Congress blocking efforts here, and next election, let them join the unemployment lines.
Important Study for Gulf Oil Spill?. Remy Benoit
From Renee Schoof at McClatchy Press Scientists urge U.S. to move quickly to study Gulf Oil Spill.
Sgt. Christopher Gaynor: Re-thinking Our Role In Viet Nam. Remy Benoit
In reference to Senator James H. Webb's thoughts on our role in Viet Nam, this response from former Sgt. Christopher Gaynor:
Thought provoking indeed. Senator Webb( Democrat form Virginia) has eloquently made the important arguments for a reassessment of our role in Vietnam and I am happy to have his voice speaking on 'our war'. I would, however, expand on a few points.
As a 20 year old University student in Los Angeles, CA I fall into a category of VN Veterans who had much in common with those who either chose not to serve in a passive way by exercising the college deferment exception or actively opposed the war and either left the country or defied the Government and went underground. That is, I came from an upper middle class family, had 2 years of university and had some shaky ideas about the legitimacy of the war and wasn't crazy about the idea of being drafted. We listened to the same music, read a lot of the same books and greeted the views our parents' generation with skepticism. But when I dropped out of school, suddenly I was faced with the reality of being called up. I decided that I could not in good conscience avoid serving while so many of my generation were fighting and dying 12,000 miles from home. I volunteered and soon found myself stepping forward to affirm my allegiance to the United States of America. I was in the Army.
I spent 13 months on combat operations with the 4Th and 25Th Inf Divisions throughout III Corps(near the Cambodian border and at the terminus of the Ho Chi Minh trail) between January, 1967 and February, 1968. My comrades represented a true cross section of America, coming from all regions, socio-economic backgrounds and being of all races and religious beliefs. Perhaps there were fewer volunteers than in the Marines, but we all put ourselves on the line every day(and night) to do our duty for our country and our brother soldiers without hesitation. The portrait of the crazed, drug addled baby killer that has become the popular image of those who served in Vietnam is complete BS. We had values and heart and we gave our all.
I believe Senator Webb is right when he states that tactically we did not lose the war. Nearly without exception every action we were engaged in resulted in heavy losses(many times those of the Allies) for the Viet Cong(VC) and North Vietnamese Regulars(NVA). The Tet Offensive of 1968(which I experienced first hand) should have been the death knell for Communist ambitions in the South. Gen. Giap made a major miscalculation and watched while his forces and equipment were almost completely destroyed. But, because of the perceived chaos in Saigon, particularly the breaching of security at the American Embassy(vividly portrayed in Amercan living rooms on The Evening News), Ho Chi Minh and Gen Giap won the war politically. Support from average Americans and then Legislators eventually died along with commitment to the Republic of Vietnam. It took another 7 years for the Communists to build up enough strength in the South to launch another major offensive, but by that time the US betrayal of our former ally was complete and the enemy met little resistance as America broke it's promise to help them in such a crises.
When I rotated out of Vietnam in February, 1968 I landed in Oakland, CA was outfitted with a new uniform, a DD214 and shown the gate. That was it. I traveled from Oakland to Newport Beach CA in uniform and was completely ignored. No one except my own father thanked me for my service or showed any interest in what I had experienced. Those of my generation were not critical or particularly negative. Where I would differ from Senator Webb on this is that in my experience it was my parents' generation who scorned us when they should have been our greatest supporters. It took another 35 years before I got anything resembling a welcome home.
It is my hope that our citizens who are serving and dying in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas never have to go it on their own like we did. We owe them the respect and support that has been denied the 3 million men and women who served in Vietnam.
Fmr. Sgt. Christopher Gaynor
2nd Bn, 77th Field Artillery
Republic of Vietnam '67-'68
For a first hand look at the life of a soldier in Viet Nam Sgt. Michael Pectol: A Rifleman First.
Will the new cap end the spill in our beautiful Gulf?. Remy Benoit
That remains to be seen with this environmental catastrophe. Movement on this has been much, much too slow and the cost to the welfare of the Gulf environment is truly beyond measure, AND is being further harmed by the dispersants.
From Richard Luscombe, The Guardian, UK BP tests oil well cap, but says success is not assured.
What is to prevent this from happening again, and again?
Have we learned anything from this? Have we learned anything from Agent Orange, and there is NO question that those who have Parkinson's from it should be cared for by the VA.
Read this and weep. Barataria is beautiful, the inhabitants warm, friendly folk, mostly dependent on fishing as they have been for generations. And this is what the dispersants are bringing them and the sealife, and the wildlife, and the water. From : Dahr Jamail and Erika Blumenfeld, t r u t h o u t Toxic Dispersants Near Gulf Harm Humans and Wildlife.
Mother Nature, the planet herself, must be weeping. What right do we have to do these things; to leave these messes for future generations? We are supposed to think ahead for at least seven generations; not for our convenience; not for corporate money making; not for our hubris in flying in the face of nature.
-- Urgent Message from Dr. Masaru Emoto regarding oil spill in Gulf of Mexico--. Remy Benoit
From Dr. Masuru Emoto Urgent Message from Dr. Masaru Emoto regarding oil spill in Gulf of Mexico.
Cap has not solved problems in our Gulf. Remy Benoit
From Dahr Jamail and Erika Blumenfeld at Truthout The Source of Our Despair in the Gulf.
How much more harm can be done to our fisherman on the Gulf?. Remy Benoit
Among all the things said, and not said, in the midst of this ecological catastrophe, how unnerving and upsetting is it when the company that caused it doesn't keep to original agreements?
And just how do we compensate the dead animals, the corrupted bayous, coastlines? Wake up, America and demand justice here! Or are you waiting for this oil to wash onto beaches along the East Coast before it gets through what a horror this is? Call the White House, demand action, more action. These are our people, this is our Gulf, our coastline not BP's!
From Dahr Jamail at Truthout BP's Scheme to Swindle the "Small People."
Re-defining PTSD. Remy Benoit
From Bryant Jordan at Military.com New PTSD Rules Relax Definition.
PLEASE Help Us Restore the Gulf. Remy Benoit
If it is right for you, please sign the petition, pass it on to your
friends, and put it on your Facebook page.
The Voice of the People must be heard above the drone of D.C. politics!BE THE ONE!
Thank you so much,
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
John Cory:Running on Bullshit. Remy Benoit
From John Cory at Reader Supported News Running on Bullshit.
From Russell Gold and Ben Casselman at the Wall Street Journal Alarm was Disabled Before BP Blast. So only 11 people died because of this?
Leaks on Afghanistan War. Remy Benoit
From Nick Davies and David Leigh at the Guardian Afghanistan The War Logs.
Do you live in Louisiana's 1st. District, or in Lousiana Somewhere Else?. Remy Benoit
Would you like to end the overwhelming corporate influence on government? Then sign on!
From Move On Petition:Will 600 People in Our District Sign Up Against Corporate Influence?
Someone just wrote to me saying we should not allow foreign companies to drill our resources. What do you think about that?
How much would you like to see labels that say "MADE IN THE USA again? What is wrong with our thinking that we don't make much here anymore?
If you think we should have tool and dye makers, if you think we should manufacture here, if you think corporations should be restricted, let you Representatives know. If they will not listen, send them pink slips nest election time.
Investigative Reporters. Remy Benoit
The question is where are they when we are at such a turning point; at a place where we need to choose life instead of constant war.
The Gulf is in disaster and so much of the truth is being withheld.
The Afghanistan Papers are out there and the major media seems to be missing the point.
Here is one ivestigative reporter, Jim Morris, International Consortium of Investigative Reporters at McClatchy Press who is telling it like it is about lobbyists spending mega-millions to sell dangerous asbestos abroad without care for those peoples' welfare. Lobbyists push use of dangerous asbestos in developing nations.
What is Vetiver and How Can It help in Our Gulf. Remy Benoit
To find the answers, visit Vetiver Disaster Mitigation.
I will be trying some Vetiver here at home and will keep you posted on its progress.
There are answers out there to so very many things. We need to look for them, to share them. There are better ways than endless war and concerns only for profit instead of the welfare of the planet.
Ways to End Endless War. Remy Benoit
One way to end endless war is to see that children are raised with the basic essentials of life.
To help with that, visit Mothers Without Borders.
Another way is to work as hard for peace as we do for war. United for Peace.
A third way is to stop spreading about hate filled e-mails that tear us apart rather than work to pull us together. Working for resolution makes a whole world more sense, and more peace.
What is the price of endless war? Our children, the same ones we bought car seats for once upon a time.
What is the price of endless war?
What is the price of not working for peace?
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
Washington Post: Faces of the Fallen.
Robert Burns, AP, MSNBC Big war boost clears Congress despite Afghan Leak.
Isn't it time to consider what Albert Einstein said about not finding a new way by using the same old methods, over, and over, and over again?
Afghan War Logs. Remy Benoit
Nicholas Kusnetz and Karen Weise at Utne A Reading List to put the Wikipedia War Logs in Context.
Also at Utne, Tom Engelhardt All the Strangenss of Our American Way of War in One Article.
John Cory: The Good of WikiLeaks. Remy Benoit
From John Cory at Reader Supported news The Good of WikiLeaks.
So, who wants to tell the truth about our so suffering Gulf; about eleven grieving families?
Seems if the media won't do it, We the People need to-about war, about the Gulf, about lobbyists, about corporate greed. We don't need sensationalism, we don't need yellow journalism, we need real investigative reporting and truth telling.
What if willing reporters got together, set up their own website, to tell it like it is?
Thanks, John!
How well is BP's Alyeska being managed. Remy Benoit
From Jason Leopold at TruthoutConfidential Report, Sources, Reveal BP Executive Turned Alyeska Pipeline Into "Deeply Distressed" Company.
It is fascinating that with the daily revelations, with the horror in the Gulf, with the dispersants making people and sea life sick, or worse, there is no national cry for investigation, nor for alternative energy.
Not only would alternative energy not leave us at the mercy of the corporate bottom dollar attitude, it would save lives of our young avoiding endless war.
When did we lose our backbone that we just sit and take it day after day?
Why did the Wikileaks not make Congress stop and think before voting more money for endless war in Afghanistan? Why do Representatives think that Generals know best when the power to wage war is a Congressional responsibility? Oversight, not just nodding like toy puppies in car windows.
If you think that maybe something just might be wrong with our acceptance of "whatever" go ask an oil covered brown pelican how he feels about our lack of responsibility as citizens in oversight of oh so very many things. No, he won't be able to speak, but do you have the courage to look him in the eye?
President Obama, you don't have to "fight the opposition." All you have to do is tell the reality of oh, so very, very many things.
Perhaps that would make the American people stand up and notice how their future is being spent.
Jim Hightower: New Outages Keep Gushing from BP. Remy Benoit
From Jim Hightower at Truthout New Outages Keep Gushing from BP.
This has been an extraordinarily hot summer. Lots of use of air conditioners. What will the winter bring?
We have this disaster in the Gulf.
Private armies are making millions.
Our Gulf is terribly polluted, as are our bayous and coastline. Many lives have been ruined.
Our soldiers are dying, are severely injured, have PTSD.
And yet where is the outcry for alternatives
Here is one Vetiver.
Here is another. Alternative Energy.
And if you are suffering from PTSD here is a good resource. PTSD Radio with Mike Orban.
James and Jean Anton: Privatizing War. Remy Benoit
From James and jean Anton at Reader Supported News Privatizing War.
Have we considered how dangerous private armies are?
And, are there any updates on these?
From 2006, Rachel L. Swarns, NY Times 2006 Haaliburton Subsidiary Gets Contract to Add Temporary Immigration Detention Centers.
Temporary is an open word. Back in the late 50's when I was in middle school, they added temporary portable classrooms to the old building. They are still there. If centers are there, for what can they be used?
Uncertainties in War in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Dion Nissenbaum at McClatchy Press U.S. Soldiers' Mission Shows Afghan War's Uncertainties.
This war is expensive, not just in dollars but in lives, ours and theirs. There is a huge cultural gap, rugged terrain and climate, and the remaining underlying question of what exactly is the mission.
The concept of endless war is questionable. Who benefits from endless war except the outside private interests of private armies, of munitions makers?
Senator Levin Raises Serious Questions. Remy Benoit
Indeed, he raises questions that should have been raised years ago. And someone should ask, why if we can afford to hire contractors for war, we can't seem to take care of our own Veterans?
From Anne Flaherty, AP, at Reader Supported News Senator Warns About 1B Dollar Deal for Blackwater.
And, there is the question of how, once you raise private armies you control them. Who decides where they are needed: them or us?
Down History Lane Blackwater Mercenaries Used in New Orleans. Isn't this National Guard work?
Why is the world not helping Pakistan?. Remy Benoit
From Nita Bhalia, Reuters, at Yahoo News Why is the world not responding as Pakistan drowns?.
Military suicides. Remy Benoit
From Barbara Barrett, McClatchy Newspapers at Truthout Task Force: Military Suicide Prevention Inadequate.
Endless War. Remy Benoit
From Col. Andrew Bacevich, U.S.Army Ret. at Tom Dispatch How Washington Rules.
From Alan Gilbert at Democratic Individuality Andrew Bacevich: COIN, the military-industrial complex, and where we are now.
Sometimes we just have to recognize the facts.. Remy Benoit
From Leonard Pitts Jr. at the Miami Herald This is who "we" really is, Glenn.
From John Cory. at Reader Supported News The Great American Stupid.
Where are the real journalists, the real investigative reporters who should be standing up for their country? Must we have viciousness, incoherent babbling by someone who doesn't know one "ism" from another; from someone who absolutely shocks and awes by the degree of flagrant bending of reality? Didn't we learn enough from the Big Lie decades ago? Wake up, America, we are one, or we are none. Just that simple, just that American. Just say NO to flagrant violations of truth; to flagrant violations of law; to flagrant violations of responsibility.Bob Hebert: We Owe the Troops an Exit. Remy Benoit
From Bob Hebert at the New York Times We Owe the Troops an Exit.
Commander in Chief. Remy Benoit
President Obama was elected by the People as Commander in Chief. A war is not something to be managed, nor is it to go on forever.
Command is a lonely place, filled with hard decisions, but the fact is that in the case of war, especially with a Congress that seemingly is not overly concerned with exerting its own war making powers instead of turning things over, it is a command decision.
Managing a war is not like managing internal affairs, it is about the life, or death, of our soldiers, of the Afghan people. For neiher of those is endless war beneficial.
The Command was given to the President and it is up to him to take its reins, not the generals.
From Melvin A. Goodman at Truthout The Pentagon's Double Envelopment of President Barack Obama.
Please do keep in mind that it is not Obama who started two wars; nor is Obama responsible for starting the housing horror; nor is it Obama who was responsible for starting the overall economic mess. He is the one left holding the torn bag with our future leaking out of it.
Somehow here the old adage that The Truth Will Set You Free just might apply if the President spoke those truths and named the root causes that are choking our nation, whose interests life in perpetuating war.
It takes Command, tough, hard, lonely Command.
Just keep in mind that American ends in I CAN.
Certainly WE CAN if we look hard at facts and make decisions based on historical facts. Any war in Afghanistan is potentially an endless war. So it was for the British, so it was for the Soviets.
It is in our choices, and our standing behind the elected official, and even more importantly, the welfare of our soldiers.They need us, or haven't you noticed the increased casualty and suicide rates?
Where was the Powell Doctrine in this?. Remy Benoit
From Kazuhiko Kusano, Mainichi News, at Reader Supported News Powell Tells Mainichi Iraq Invasion Was Avoidable, Regrets False WMD Intelligence.
This is not a mea culpa this is putting the blame on others, despite the fact that many voices were saying loud and clear that the intel was wrong. For those of you not acquainted with the Powell Doctrine.
What interview can be given to those who wake up screaming with PTSD.; what interview can be given to those with lost limbs, permanent paralysis, brain damage; what interview can be given to those with foreclosed homes, broken marriages; what interview can be given to the KIA; what interview can be given to a leveled home, a destroyed village, a dead child, a child whimpering in your arms for lack of food; what interview can be given to the soldiers on the front line?
What will we hear about Afghanistan, about Bin Laden?
Seems there are a lot of people who have a lot to answer for. It is a given, simple given, that no one goes to war without an exit plan.
Also, from Clausewitz: No one starts a war-or rather, no one in his senses ought to do so- without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that war and how he intends to conduct it.
And then, there are those, who while willing to spend billions on war, those who do not want to take care of the soldiers we send to meet hell in them. From John Cory. at Reader Supported News Dear Mr. Milbank.
Not just for those of us in Louisiana. Remy Benoit
The Gulf, the bayous, the city of New Orleans is important to all of us. Last week another rig burned up, fortunately not spouting more oil into the water, into the bayous, into our lives.
From Joel Schectman, Newsweek, at Reader Supported News BP Threatens to cut aid to spill victims if not allowed to drill.
Pete Seeger Live for the Gulf.
And then there is Senator Vitter. Yes, let's take the For Sale sign off the Capitol lawn. End the power of the lobbyists with the voice of the people. If you notice, it reads WE THE PEOPLE, NOT WE THE CORPORATIONS.
If we make nothing here to make corporations more money we are selling our national soul. If we let foreign countries have tax breaks, waivers for safety, we are selling our national well being to the highest bidder. If all that money from that is not in your pocket, you really should ask where it is going.
And while you are here, speaking of lobbyists, corporations including those who make our medicines, I would really like your Senators and Representatives, state and federal,to hear from those of you who have had negative results with your medicines.
Recovering as I am from a heart attack, implant of a defibrillator/pacemaker, the meds that were supposed to make me better, stronger, left me with severe muscle pain, terrible pain in my hands, and difficulty concentrating. These side effects are commonly listed, and we accept them,we pay outrageous prices for them, but WHY? Why not demand medicines that don't make you more sick, that don't impact on your liver, kidneys, etc.? AGAIN nothing will happen, nothing will change, unless you make it so. Perhaps we need to pay more attention to herbalists, to Native American medicine men.
And the dispersants in the Gulf? What will we hear about them and what they have done some years down the line as they are already making people sick. Remember, Agent Orange was okay, or so we were told.
It is time to re-evaluate our priorities; to re-evaluate what we accept as truths. Perhaps it is time to learn to touch nature and maybe in doing that we might find respect for life, including that of our soldiers. Are we so fearful of the real face of war that what we see in the eyes of our Veterans terrifies us so much that we turn away from them; leave them alone after they have given all; leave them to carry for the rest of their lives all the horror they have known without our recognition of any of it? If we are so fearful of the real face of war, why do we not work hard every day for ways to bring peace, even if all we can do is try to find peace for ourselves and share that with others?
The past is gone. We need new ways of thinking to cure the vast negative legacy of so much of the past. For that we need to find new ways of thinking, including the acceptance of the truth that what each of us does each day impacts in some way on the whole planet. If we are spreading hate in the name of the Prince of Peace, that needs to be re-thought. We tend to blame others for our own inadequacies, for our own fears, failures, and shortcomings. Doing so in the name of any religion is yet another failure of our own; a refusal to face our own inadequacies. It is so very much easier to hate than it is to love. Love takes effort; love takes acceptance; love takes courage. If we don't like ourselves, if we don't like our lives and refuse to change ourselves and our lives, how can we like, how can we love others?
No matter where we live, no matter what our mores or dogmas are, we each, if we are blessed, have two legs, two arms, a brain, physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The more we look for similarities instead of differences, the more mouths we will feed, the less hate we will breed.
This is a real legacy of real war. Face it, change it, so it doesn't happen again.Robin Lindley: The Real Face of War.
Who is backing "oil spill rallies"?. Remy Benoit
From Tyson Slocum at Public Citizen Astroturf alert: Rallis against oil spill bill represent industry views-not citizens.
From Jim Hightower Corporations Scoff at Workers' Rights-Even the Right to Come Home from Work Alive.
If we work hard for alternative energy we do not have to risk lives on rigs, we do not have to sacrifice lives on battlefields under which oil runs.
While one hotel CEO gets a 1.39 billion dollar compensation package, hotel workers struggle to get decent working conditions and health insurance. From David Bacon at Truthout The Face of Labor in the Streets (Photo Essay).
Endless war..... Remy Benoit
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Blair Reveal Cheney's War Agenda.
Hendrik Hertzberg, New Yorker, at Reader Supported Neww Iraq's Cost.
Some things to think about. Remy Benoit
From Daily Grist A Variety of Topics You Should be Thinking About.
Jon Stewart: Rally to Restore Sanity. Remy Benoit
From Matea Gold, Tribune, at the Los Angeles Times Jon Stewart's "Rally To Restore Sanity" could draw tens of thousands.
The is a time for the nation to pull together, yet some are choking the very air with their venom, placing blame for our national circumstances on the wrong people.
Ask a brown pelican about our Gulf. 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill.
Ask those who were in office when the mortgage meltdown happened why they let it happen.
Ask where are the WMD; ask what our goals are in Afghanistan?
Ask what those who have so much venom to spew what they are really after.
Ask what happened to the Made in the USA label. Ask where are our tool and dye makers; where are our factories. Those are the real questions; start asking them, start following the money and maybe, just maybe you will find those truly responsible for oh so many things.
William Rivers Pitt: A Waste of Paper. Remy Benoit
At Truthout William Rivers Pitt: A Waste of Paper.
It is interesting to note that those responsible for the economic mess seem to think that the American people want more of the same: benefits for the very rich, for corporations, but not for The People.
Ralph Nader: Why say yes to the party of no?. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Why say yes to the party of no?.
Taking a Stand. Remy Benoit
From Marc Ash at Reader Supported News Mr. President: Welcome Their Hatred.
From the New York Times, Editorial The GOP Pledge.
Obama Blasts GOP. Remy Benoit
At MSNBC Obama Blasts GOP Pledge as "Irresponsible.
BP's Texas Refinery. Remy Benoit
While we are still suffering, and will continue to suffer for decades here in Louisiana from the BP spill, can Texas be in harm's way too?
From Jason Leopold at Truthout DOJ Refuses to Revoke BP's Probation Over Safety Violations at Texas City Refinery. Interesting that corporations are "people" but some "people seem" to have more rights than the rest of us folks.
Andrew J. Bacevich. Remy Benoit
At the American Empire Project, Andrew J. Bacevich, Col. U.S. Army Retired, Prisoners of War: Bob Woodward and All the President's Men 2010 Edition.
Ben Dandelion on Howard Zinn's Last Book. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported New, Ben Dandelion, UK Howard Zinn's Last Testimony to the Immorality of War.
Howard Zinn's thoughts have not always been popular, but they are definitely worth reading and considering.
Obama in Command. Remy Benoit
Interview with President Obama and Rollingstone's Jann S. Wenner Obama in Command.
John Cory: The Jungle of Screaming Souls. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News The Jungle of Screaming Souls.
Who is buying our country?. Remy Benoit
Also ask yourself who profits from forever wars?
From Robert Reich at Reader Supported News The Secret Big-Money Takeover of America.
And yet with all this money around, we still can't seem to take care of our Veterans. We can't seem to keep people in their homes, nor find them jobs. Produce costs in the supermarket are outrageous. We are simply not getting it right and we need to ask ourselves why.
How much money is enough for some while the Republicans want to lower or eliminate minimum wage? From Amanda Getchel, San Bernadino County Democrat Examiner Republicans Call for Lowering Eliminating Federal Minimum Wage.
Why are any of our Veterans Homeless?. Remy Benoit
October 15 on Oprah AMERICAN WAR HEROES: WHY ARE THESE WOMEN NOW HOMELESS?
War? What war?. Remy Benoit
It is incredible to me that only 3% of the population considers the war in, where is that, oh yes, Afghanistan to be an election issue.
3%? What does that say about us when the blood of our young, when the blood of the people of Afghanistan is spilling into the earth?
I can't help but wonder how the media can be so lax in reporting what this war is really like, but then war isn't as entertaining as which celebrity is doing what that lets the audience sit in judgmental conversational nothingness.
I can't help but wonder how the billions of dollars that are seeping into election coffers impact on generating that low a percentage. Who is not talking about war, and why?
From the Editors at The Nation Democracy for Sale.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout The Way We Forget.
We don't need any more Tea Parties, we need a good strong cup of black coffee to wake us up!
War is deadly, destructive, soul and life eating. Why are we not talking about the brain injuries, the spinal injuries, the ever increasing numbers of KIA? Why aren't we talking about the billions in costs?
We have no right to desert those we send to fight it. It is a national disgrace.
How do you think it feels to our soldiers that to 97% of us the war they are fighting 24/7 isn't an election issue? How do you think that feels to the veterans we are making everyday and don't stand up and demand good care for?
Coffee, black, and make it a double. Time to wake up, stand up for our soldiers, our veterans, and think about why anyone would want to put back into office those who generated the mortgage crisis, the unemployment, and yes, the forever wars. Oh yes, and there is also the little thing from those who have more than enough money, millions of times over, who want to end the minimum wage.
Make that several cups of black coffee; we really need to wake up America.
We have a choice: Democracy or Plutocracy?. Remy Benoit
If almost a quarter of the income in this country goes to the top 1% income wise, something is wrong.
We need to ask who is paying for Tea Parties?
We need to ask about the rational for endless war.
We need to ask why veteran suicides are increasing.
We need to ask why our people don't have work.
We need to ask why no new WPA or CCC when people are jobless, when states all across the country need work down on bad levees, on crumbling bridges, on a oil soaked Gulf and bayous.
We need to ask who is blocking legislation that would make that 1% pay a fair share.
We need to ask a thousand plus questions and demand real answers.
We need to think about the blood spilled to give us a democracy and how we are not protecting it.
We need to ask who controls the major media and
why they are not confronting these problems.
From Robert Reich at Reader Supported News The Perfect Storm.
From Roger Simon, Politico at Reader Supporter News Obama vs the Loonies.
A perplexing question. Remy Benoit
Where in the Declaration of Independence does it say that all men and corporations are created equal"?
While the Court may have ruled corporations as persons, THE PEOPLE still have the right to demand 'one man one vote" not billions in clandestine funds for supporting or undermining elections.
You have Senators and Representatives. Let them know that you support one man one vote, not hidden funds that unbalance that basic principle of our country.
What would Jefferson who favored grass roots democracy have said about this?
Congress Flunks Out on Care for Veterans. Remy Benoit
From the IAVA, take a look and see how your Congressman ranks in care for our Veterans 2010 Congressional Report Card.
75 Largest Corporate Sponsors of Congress. Remy Benoit
How do you political donations weigh in next to these? Something to think about.
From Dave Gilson and Mother Jones Capitol Hills Top 75 Corporate Sponsors.
Amy Goodman: When Banks are the Robbers. Remy Benoit
From Amy Goodman, truthdig, at Reader Supporter News When Banks are the Robbers.
The American Dream has always been a home of one's own. Write the White House. and demand a foreclosure moratorium. YOU are THE PEOPLE, use your voice. Corporations are not mentioned to have "inalienable rights" PEOPLE are.
From The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel Predator's Ball.
Who is running this country, the people or karl Rove?
The voice of an American farmer from the Progressive Populist Tea Party Needs Info.
Again, it is time for a strong cup of coffee and a wake up call!
Pickens Plan for Economic Independence.
We need to manufacture products here, bring back the MADE IN THE USA label, so cheers to the $8B INTEL is investing here.
Ellen Dannin: Our Lives, Our Fortunes Our Sacred Honor. Remy Benoit
From Ellen Dannin at Truthout, thanks for reminding The People of this Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor.
And if we resurrect this sacred commitment, if we truly live as citizens of these United States, then this situation with our veterans would not exist. Have that cup of strong coffee, wake up American to your sacred responsibilities. This land is our land, not that of a few who have more than they or their descendants will ever need. From Nadia Prupis at Truthout Veteran Suicides Outnumber Military Deaths In Iraq and Afghanistan.
We have a huge responsibility to our veterans, to our children, to the land and water herself. Neglect of our Veterans, unnecessary oil spills, crumbling infrastructure is not what we need. We need to stand together and demand that the above words of the Founding Fathers and Mothers, paid for by an immense blood price, are honored.
We need to demand an immediate moratorium on these flagrant foreclosures. We need to demand a FULL investigation of each bank's activities in connection with them. There is so much damage left over from the previous administration, that it will take all of us standing together saying Yes we can do this! Think about this, if we needed to say Rosie the Riveter, or Jack the Riveter to meet a national crisis, where would they go to work? China? We need factories, we need production here. We need to say enough to outsourcing. We need to say and do at least a thousand things. That allegiance you pay to your flag is calling in its marker. Stand up for the responsibility of each of us to each other and to these United, not red nor blue, States.
Colbert-Stewart Rally: Bigger than a Tea Party?. Remy Benoit
President Obama will be with Jon Stewart for the show on the 27th.
From the Christian Science Monitor Colbert-Stewart Rally: Bigger Than a Tea Party.
The Emperor's Oil?. Remy Benoit
Once upon a time the emperor stood to be admired by the crowd in his new clothes, until a child noted that he was not wearing any.
Can only Louisiana fishermen see the oil in the Gulf and in our precious wetlands? Why can't it be seen by BP and others who should know?
From Dahr Jamail and Erika Blumenfeld at Truthout
Fishermen Report Louisiana Bays Filled With Oil.
Only truth will protect our earth and our freedom.
It is time for a strong cuppa coffee to see through the fog of tea leaves. Ask who is funding whom clandestinely to continue the smoke and fog, mortgage foreclosures, bank usurpations, and oil in our waters. The truth just might save the freedom so much blood has been shed for. Truth just might save the planet. Truth might just save us.
From George Monbiot, Guardian, UK The Tea Party Movement: Deluded and Inspired by Billionaires.
From John M. Broder at the NY Times Panel Says Firms Knew of Cement Flaws Before Spill.
Robert Reich: Only $ 4.2 Billion to Buy This Election?. Remy Benoit
What if that money had been put into job creation, small business, people?
From Robert Reich at Reader Supported News Only $4.2 Billion to Buy This Election?
When that kind of money is being spent, then someone wants something MAJOR in return, and we need to ask what that something is and if it in any way relates to any of us at the far end of the financial spectrum.
It would have been lovely if the people investing this kind of money had invested it in the care of our Veterans from these forever wars. After all, those Veterans are only our daughters, sons, wives, husbands, aunts, uncles. It comes to mind to ask another question, who is making big money from these wars? These are questions that need to be asked, just like questions that come up from the previous article about who knew what about a potential oil spill and disaster to the Gulf and wetlands, and people, and wildlife, and fish if the rigs blew. If we send our soldiers out to fight for justice abroad, then it leaves us to fight for it at home.
Albert Nahas: Warriors Remembered. Remy Benoit
This is a book you don't want to miss!
After intensive research Al Nahas presents you with an intimate look at Viet Nam Veteran Memorials across the country, Warriors Remembered. Do visit these 100 Memorials with Al and pay your respect to those who sacrificed all. You will find a free chapter available to you. And please, help spread the word about this special tribute to our Viet Nam Veterans!
The morning after the election. Remy Benoit
Billions of corporate dollars were spent to put candidates in office.
Economic problems were the focal point.
But I need to ask why the war in Afghanistan that is taking the lives of our soldiers, making new injured Veterans each day, seemed not to be an election issue?
What are these wars costing? Costs of war.
What will the long term costs of care for our soldiers be, not only dollar wise, but mentally, physically, and spiritually?
Personal Stories from more than just the Front Lines of War.
What is it about us that we just ignore the verities of war?
Does it matter?-losing your legs?
For people will always be kind,
And you need not show that you mind
When others come in after hunting
To gobble their muffins and eggs.
Does it matter?-losing you sight?
There’s such splendid work for the blind;
And people will always be kind,
As you sit on the terrace remembering
And turning your face to the light.
Do they matter-those dreams in the pit?
You can drink and forget and be gald,
And people won't say that you’re mad;
For they know that you've fought for your country,
And no one will worry a bit.
Siegfried Sassoon
Coffee?. Remy Benoit
Corporations, will all due respect, are not people and should not be able to buy elections. The Court's decision overturns all past precedent and allows your vote to mean less than corporate dollars do. If that bothers you, take action.
Veterans Day. Remy Benoit
A blessed Veterans Day to all who are giving and have given so much.
Petition to sign Disclose Act this year. Remy Benoit
Petition to the Senate to pass the Disclose Act this year.
William Rivers Pitt: A Small Fraction of a Man. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout A Small Fraction of a Man.
William J Astore LT.Col. U.S. Air Force Ret.. Remy Benoit
From William J.Astore at TomDispatch The New American Isolationism: The Cost of Turning Away from War's Horrific Realities.
Thom Hartmann, Berrett-Koehler Publishers Book Excerpt: Rebooting the American Dream. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Rebooting the American Dream - Chapter One: Bring My Job Home!.
Also at Truthout Tom Englehardt The Stimulus Package in Kabul.
From Robert Dreyfus at The Nation The 2014 Timetable for Afghanistan.
Robert Freeman: It’s Official: Rich Declare War on the Middle Class. Remy Benoit
From Robert Freeman at Common Dreams It’s Official: Rich Declare War on the Middle Class.
If the millions spent in the last election to support candidates of corporate choice bother you, then let the government know that and sign this petition to challenge the Supreme Court decision that allows secret funding, upsetting decades of restrictions of election spending. Disclose Act Petition.
Henry A. Giroux: Living in the Age of Imposed Amnesia. Remy Benoit
From Henry A. Giroux at Truthout Living in the Age of Imposed Amnesia.
Robert Scheer: The Man Who Shattered Our Economy. Remy Benoit
From Truth Dig at Reader Supported News Robert Scheer: The Man Who Shattered Our Economy.
A Call for Tough Presidential Leadership. Remy Benoit
From Katrina Vanden Huevel at The Nation Use Your Executive Authority, President Obama.
The National Council of Churches has called for an end to the war in Afghanistan.
Resolution.PTSD Help in Scotland. Remy Benoit
All soldiers have one thing in common.
They must all live with the aftermath of what they have known; of what we have sent them to know.
If you are in Scotland, you can get help here.
Disability Help-Scotland.co.uk
If you know a soldier anywhere, and she or he is showing signs of PTSD, help them get help. Don't wait, just do it.
Guess who didn't come to dinner?. Remy Benoit
Seems to me, and yes, perhaps I am "old-fashioned"-I am a senior citizen, but common courtesy should be a way of life, but maybe it isn't in D.C.?
Also seems to me that when the President invites you to dinner to discuss important issues, you should not be too busy to do the business of THE PEOPLE. Too busy to discuss extending unemployment through the holidays? Just whose interests are you representing?
Perhaps the soldiers are too "busy" to do the work they have been sent to do? But then, of course, Congress is "too busy" to make sure every Veteran gets every care he or she needs.
Perhaps Dad and Mom are too busy to fulfill their roles? Perhaps the young ones are "too busy" to do their homework and should tell the teacher to make the due date more "convenient" to them?
Perhaps, perhaps the editorial is right and hubris makes some people too busy to dine with the President of all of us? How well did Icarus fair with that flying into the sun?
From the New York Times With All Disrespect, Mr. President.
Presidential Panel: Freeze Military Pay?. Remy Benoit
Seems reasonable if you can't afford to pay soldiers livable wages for them and their families, then perhaps you should re-think the current war without end.
From Jeff Schogol at Stars and Stripes Presidential Panel: Freeze Military Pay?
From David Swanson at Tom Dispatch All War All the Time.
David Swanson: War is a Lie. Remy Benoit
Thom Hartmann: Roll Back the Reagan Tax Cuts. Remy Benoit
From Thom Hartmann at Truthout Roll Back the Reagan Tax Cuts.
David Krieger: When John f. Kennedy Spoke of Peace. Remy Benoit
From David Krieger at Common Dreams When John F. Kennedy Spoke of Peace.
Yes, I remember where I was the day Kennedy was assassinated. Was he the perfect President? By no means. But he gave us hope, he thought of the future, one not of endless war, but one of endless peace. What better gifts could you give soldiers than peace and care for mental, physical, and spiritual care for all their needs?
Soldiers need us. PTSD overwhelms, and no you do not just "get over it." We are presently engaged in a special pro bono international effort to help soldiers in the UK with PTSD as they are not getting the help they need and suicide rates are climbing. Any soldier of any war is invited to share her or his thoughts in poem or prose in a book whose proceeds will go to PTSD care in the UK. For more information, visit Little Book of War. and follow the links there.
A Blessed Thanksgiving to all. To those in combat, be safe and hold on to who you are. Miz' Remy
LA Times: First Thanksgiving Got It Right. Remy Benoit
BRAVO to the LA Times Editorial for taking a stand and reminding us of the negative potential of fear, and yes, scapegoating.
From the LA Times at Reader Supported News First Thanksgiving Got It Right.
It might be a good idea for all of those touting our precious Constitution to actually sit down and read it.
It is a good time to remember why all those "illegal" immigrants, for the most part our ancestors, came here via a hellish sea voyage.
The key word there is freedom, mostly religious freedom.
It might be a good idea to actually look at what happened economically and place the blame where it really belongs, with Bush and company.
It might be a good idea to ask why so many millions of dollars went into elections, and who funneled them there.
It might be a good idea to search for truth instead of swallowing and disseminating fear and hatred.
It might be a good idea to recall that you have the freedom to seek the truth rather than to swallow the big lie.
It might be a good idea to protect that freedom with truth rather than undermine it with hatred.
A Blessed, and compassionate, Thanksgiving.
Miz' Remy
Paul Rogers: The Road to Endless War. Remy Benoit
From Paul Rogers at Open Democracy The Road to Endless War.
Were our soldiers in your prayers and thoughts today as you sat down to table?
Were those whose homes have been foreclosed, possibly illegally, in your thoughts today?
From Robert Wright, NY Times, at Reader Supported News Woese Than Vietnam.
Also at Common Dreams, Bruce Springsteen Sings Pete Seeger's Bring Them Home.
For the original lyrics Seeger: Bring Them Home.From E.J. Dionne Jr. Washington Post at Truthout The Thanksgiving Wars: Just Say No.
Join us at The Little Book of War.
Tom Engelhardt: The United States of Fear. Remy Benoit
From Tom Engelhardt, Tom Dispatch The United States of Fear.
Just how much freedom do we give up to be free and secure? Where do we draw the line?
Are we willing to have private security corporations, making millions, and patrolling our neighborhoods?
Are we willing to have checkpoints in subways, on buses, in schools, in office buildings?
Should these security people wear black shirts or brown?
Two "must reads". Remy Benoit
From Nick Taylor American Made When FDR Put the Nation to Work.
What a great idea: Americans building America.
Americans at work. What if we were challenged as we were in WWII? What factories would we convert? Have the outsourcing corporations thought about that?
Charles P. Pierce Idiot America How Stupidity Became a Virture in the Land of the Free. And who do we thank for that? Ask the mass media!
Visiting the supermarket and more. Remy Benoit
After I paid an absurd price for medication today, we stopped at the supermarket.
Has anyone noticed, anyone in D.C. for instance, the unmanageable price of produce? And no, it is not because it is autumn, these increases have been going on all year.
Perhaps someone could arrange a field trip for members of Congress to the local grocery store
for a dose of reality where they could meet Mr. Artichoke weighing in a $3.99 a piece.
This economy needs fixing...it is not a matter of politics only; it is a matter of those who legislate knowing how the rest of us live.
When was the last time your Representative or Senator was in a market, a shoe store, a clothing store?
When was the last time he or she was concerned with the price of their medication or doctor bill?
When was the last time she or he was sitting in a repair station getting new tires, or an oil change?
My point is, we need them to tread on planet earth as THE PEOPLE do.
Perhaps they need to go to unemployment lines and talk with the unemployed. Perhaps billionaire corporate types should "pay back" by doing services for their communities.
Perhaps Representative and Senators should go to war zones without mega-body guards and spend a week, a month with the troops and the reality they know. Perhaps they should go back for 3 or 4 tours; go and miss the holidays at home; go and learn that war is not a thing on paper but a living nightmare for all concerned.
Too long has Congress lived apart from us.
It is time for a huge teach in in the reality department.
If you have served in the military, we invite you to share your words with the world in this pro bono effort at The Little Book of War. For another detailed explanation of the project, visit 277Arty. For a look at war without the 'trim," just the real guts of being there, do join Sgt, Mike Pectol for A RIFLEMAN FIRST.
What happened to "Yes, we can? ". Remy Benoit
President Obama was elected with the hope of The People for a government that recognized their needs, not just those of the corporations exporting our industry for their profit.
The real contest for "Yes, we can" is on now while the President faces recalcitrant Republicans who have said they will block all legislation until they get a renewal of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.
Where is the Democratic party? Is there a Democratic party? Where is the Presidential leadership that could take a lesson from Nancy Reagan and just say No to the recalcitrants?
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout On the Subject of Quitting.
Last I heard Mr. Obama, not Mr. Boehner, is President. Yes, Sir, YOU can...just do it. Spell it out loud and clear where all the problems originated and just who is blocking their resolution and why.
From The Washington Post Rep. John Boehner Has Salty Way With Words.
BTW The People are saying we want jobs; we want corporations who invest, here, in the U.S.A.; we want to see MADE IN THE USA again; we want to see unemployment extended through the holidays; we want to be in our homes at fair mortgage rates; we want investigations into how massive foreclosures have been done; we want to see fair interest rates on credit cards, on bank accounts; we want our infra-structure in good shape; we want legitimate diplomacy and not endless war; we want decent and respectful treatment of our veterans; we want to see affordable food prices; we want a good education for our children; we want real health insurance, for ALL. We want a mass media that deals in real news, not trivia, not bias, but real news. It seems to have been forgotten by the corporate interests that control the mass media that that is the role of the 4th Estate-to support democracy, not profits.
Is there anyone in D.C. who does not have a hearing problem? Or do they simply not care?
For the few there who are hearing, go to your constituency, to the country, for support, for phone calls, for letters to the editor, to the White House, to the Congress. It is called grassroots democracy. Stop those dealing in fear, division, and yes, hatred. This is one country with a future that will be what we choose to make it, if, if, if we pull together for what grows the U.S.A, instead of dividing and destroying it.
Ask yourselves this, those of you who represent us in Congress: if you had to answer to those whose blood was shed to free us for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" could you look them directly in the eye? Could you look Mr. Washington, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin in the eye and say honestly, "I have given my best to the legacy you gave us," or would you be checking out the shine on your shoes looking down at the floor, unable to dishonor the memory of those who blood was spilled, whose lives were spent to give us freedom? Can you look at those serving now, perhaps for their 3rd or 4th tour while their families lost their homes to foreclosure and tell them honestly that you have done, are doing your best? If you can't pass these tests, you have failed. Time for some mirror and soul searching work?
John Pilger: Viet Nam The Last Battle. Remy Benoit
From John Pilger at Truthout Viet Nam The Last Battle.
Paul Krugman: Let's not make a deal. Remy Benoit
From Paul Krugman at the NY Times Let's not make a deal.
Seriously time to take a stand, Mr. President.
From Rachel Maddow GOP tax bonus for rich ignores failure of Reaganomics.
Just whose health is important?. Remy Benoit
Members of Congress have the best health care plan possible.
Yet we do not give adequate health care to our veterans,to much of our civilian population, and now the Republicans block health care legislation for the 9/11 workers.
Send a message to Congress that that is more than enough...do it right.
From Raymond Hernandez at the NY Times Republicans Block U.S. Health Aid for 9/11 Workers.
Also, from Keith Olbermann at Reader Supported News Obama Turned His Back on His Base.
We are also talking about the health of this country here. The Republicans don't seem to care about that, just extended tax cuts for the already rich, many of whom have exported the industrial base of this country for even higher profits.
Sometimes, like a good parent, we just have to say NO.
All parts of the spectrum. Remy Benoit
At Truthout An Open Letter to the Left Establishment.
The Hurt Locker. Remy Benoit
Try thinking yourself into their place and then accept responsibility for them when, if,
they come home. The Hurt Locker.
All veterans are welcome to join us in Little Book of War.
Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Jean MacKenzie, Global Post, at Truthout Afghans Overwhelmingly Want U.S. Troops Out-and Soon.
Down History Lane. Remy Benoit
Election 2000
How different would things have been if time had been given for all the votes to have been counted?
From Robert Parry at Consortium News Bush v Gore's Dark American Decade.
Ron Kovic: Raise your voices, protest, stop these wars. Remy Benoit
From Ron Kovic at Reader Supported News Raise your voices, protest, stop these wars.
Top 5 problems with the tax deal. Remy Benoit
From Move On Top 5 problems with the tax deal.
To contact Congress Contact Congress.
"You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan". Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at the Huffington Post The Richard Holbrooke Memorial Peace Talks to End the Afghan War.
US Sues over Gulf Oil Spill. Remy Benoit
At McClatchy US Sues BP, Transcoean, Andarko over Gulf oil spill.
Re: Afghanistan-An Open Letter to President Obama. Remy Benoit
An Open Letter to President Obama. from experts on Afghanistan requesting him to end the war.
At Buzzflash Dr. Margaret Flowers: Permanent War is Killing Us, To Be Silent is Complicit.
From In These Tims Grace Lee Boggs. She is 93 and still an activist.
From Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers at Mother Earth News Collaborative Consumption: Shifting the Consumer Mindset.
It is time to redefine who we are; what we stand for. Are we to be the greatest power for war, or the greatest power for peace? Are we raising children to know war, or to lead lives of creativity, compassion, and cooperation? Like all else, these decisions are the choices we make. Like Indy, we must choose well. One of the things we must demand is a free press-one that does its job as the Fourth Estate, not one that chronicles celebrity nonsense and yellow journalism. This is a scary report: Study confirms that Fox News makes you stupid. Can this be right; can stations deliberately tell us things that are not the way they really are? Can news stations omit what we should know by filling in with glitz and propaganda? Can they have some reason to do these things..like $$$?
Are there reporters who still care? Can they find work? Can they find soul again? Can we?
Your donations would help here. The mass media stations are interested in $$. Do you know how many donations I have had in all the years WHS has been here? One. If we really care, we do it anyway and it is not about $$ it is about truth. Once again, our choice. Do we want truth? If we do, we must demand it, and we must practice it.
Speaking of truth, again, all veterans are invited to join in the pro bono effort for The Little Book of War. Blessings, Miz' Remy
William Rivers Pitt: What Bernie Said. Remy Benoit
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout What Bernie Said.
What does it take for a dose of reality to enter the Halls of Congress? When was the last time getting a pair of boots for a child a problem to a Senator or member of the House? When was the last time one of them was in a supermarket, or scrambling to come up with the money for emergency surgery even when they had health insurance.
Do we want our kids selling match sticks on snowy corners? Do we want a truly poverty stricken nation doing a Dickensian Christmas with their mortgage foreclosed, people out on the street, unable to get jobs because so much of our industry has been shipped overseas for even more profits for those who do not want to pay a fair share of taxes?
Dear Santa, Can you do a collective Christmas Carol and take the Senate and the House on a tour of reality and karma? Ask them how they can sip champagne while others have their water and electricity turned off because they are jobless.
The world grows smaller every day. The answer to the problems of all lie in compassion, cooperation, and communication-what I call the Three C's.
Just how much money when you are counting in millions and billions is enough?
And just how much endless war is enough? At Common Dreams White House Anti-war Protest: Daniel Ellsberg put his body on the line. Ellsberg is 79 now.
135 arrested in war protest at White House. Remy Benoit
Ellsberg is 79.
The question is being asked where were the rest of the people who believe these wars are not ending and should?
If you couldn't be in D.C. you can contact Congress, even from your couch by e-mail or phone.
The Gift of Yourself. Remy Benoit
It is gift giving time.
For many this is quite a difficult holiday season with homes lost, jobs lost, confidence lost in the American dream and, indeed, in those who should be leading us to prosperity instead of their own self-interest.
If you feel disillusioned and tired of all the politicos, there is a way out of the morass, and that is giving the gift of yourself to others.
Take real time for you children, for you spouse. Your arms wrapped around them is so much more important than what is wrapped in a box.
If you want peace, commit yourself to finding it in your own life, and then your world.
If you think we should have a real health care program, commit to working for it.
If you feel that all election funds should be reported rather than millions funneled secretly, work for that.
If you believe veterans should get respectful and full treatment, add your voice to theirs.
The are hundreds of causes to commit to; pick the one that is right for you and stay with it: being it reading to the young; recycling if your neighborhood doesn't have it yet; sharing the joy of your musical, cooking, sewing, singing or whatever talent.
Commit to giving yourself the gift of expanding your mind, reading, studying, learning a new skill.
Your thoughts, your actions, are what you are, who you become and each of your thoughts and actions impact on the rest of the world. We are all connected and it is time that we accepted that.
Make your mythic journey your commitment and the paths that you need to take will open up for you.
The world has so much beauty, she has so much need, and what she needs is your respect, care, compassion, creativity, and communication. That hungry child wherever in the world is your hungry child. Feed her, feed the planet with love; plant a garden, save a life with some food; save a child from the streets. Save yourself and that too will help to save the planet, plant seeds of hope, grow the vines of peace so that they may envelope all of us.
Blessings to all,
Miz' Remy
War and the Environment. Remy Benoit
From Randall Amster and Michael Nagler at Common Dreams War and Planet Earth: Toward a Sustainable Peace.
What is obvious is often missed.
What we do to each other, we do to the planet; we do to future generations who are born with mutations; we do to our soldiers, to civilian populations riddled with cancers and other diseases.
Why is it that we so easily miss the obvious?
Perhaps we should not only think in terms of peace on earth, but peace also for the earth.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
Foreclosure horrors. Remy Benoit
Our homes are are refuge from the troubles of the day. They should be the place where we relax, share supper with families, dream sweet.
But some banks have decided that they know something we don't; that they have the right to violate that sanctity. That is intolerable.
From Andrew Martin at the New York Times In a Sign of Foreclosure Flaws, Suits Claim Break-ins by Banks.
From Reuters at Reader Supported News Two States Sue Bank of America on Mortgage Servicing.
There is something seriously wrong with banks seeing us as prey, doing illegal foreclosures, charging usurious interest rates, just as there is seriously something wrong with any debate at all as to whether we should provide medical care for 9/11 responders. I have been in the hospital three times this year, I know what they costs are. From Alex Seitz-Wald at Truthout Coburn, We dont have the "extra" money needed for 9/11 first responders. Just like we don't have the money to properly and respectfully care for our veterans. We have a great deal of re-thinking to do on endless things, including endless war and those who so seriously profit from them.
Why not a national jobs program?. Remy Benoit
If our soldiers and veterans are having a hard time; if people are losing their homes; if the middle class is disappearing, who has the wealth and who is helping them keep it and get more?
From Jim Hightower at Truthout Obama to the Corporate Powers: I Feel Your Pain.
Perhaps we should demand that all corporate heads have supper at the White House and watch A Christmas Carol?
The thing is WE CAN with the right leadership. The move now should be to The People not to the corporate heads, not to recalcitrants who have a problem with medical care for 9/11 first responders; not to reactionaries who want to undercut Social Security. We need a new WPA, a new CCC. We need a cleanup and repair of the infrastructure and WE NEED MADE IN THE USA. We need people in Congress who care about the country. We need people in Congress who can "get it" when it comes to endless war and endless waste of life. We need people in Congress who "get it" that PTSD, job loss, home loss, inability to feed and give medical care to children just don't go away. We need to control industry, lobbyists, and clandestine election funding. We need freedom of the press and investigative journalists who don't answer to corporations. We need to wake up.
Blessings and Merry Christmas.
Miz' Remy
Dalai Lama: A Human Approach to World Peace. Remy Benoit
From the Dalai Lama at Reader Supported News A Human Approach to World Peace.
Winter Soldiers. Remy Benoit
From Linda Pershing at Truthout Winter Soldiers Confront the White House: Mass Arrests As They Put Their Bodies on the Line for Peace.
Jon Stewart: Responder to a Moral Obligation. Remy Benoit
From Bill Carter and Brian Stelter, NY Times, at Reader Supported News Jon Stewart: Advocacy Journalism on 9/11 Responders Bill?
Perhaps Mr. Stewart should be invited to share his skills as a veteran advocate.
John Nichols: Dick Cheney's $250 Million Get out of jail free card. Remy Benoit
From John Nichols at The Nation Dick Cheney's $250- million 'Get out of jail free' card.
When is something so obvious that we all have to get it?
Middle Class, Upper Class, Poverty Class. Remy Benoit
Seems lately that costs come in round numbers: $100 for this; $1000 for that and it is quite hard to keep up, but only for those of us not in the Upper economic class. It seems pretty obvious that if most of the people are not making it, then they are going, by necessity, to only pay fundamentals and the economy will suffer.
But then look at all the foreclosures that to the banks are just numbers, but to the rest of us families on the street.
Look at our veterans who need more care and less war.
From Paul Buchheit at Common Dreams Middle Class and MAD in the USA.
When are we going to say enough; you really can't fool all the people all the time.
William Rivers Pitt: Over, Done, Finished, Out. Remy Benoit
2010 was a tough year for many, including myself with the heart attack, implant, etc. I am one of the lucky ones: I have insurance, expensive insurance, but I have it. There was emergency surgery for my son. The A/C and heater had to be replaced among a number of other essentials. But somehow we made it through, unlike so many others who have lost their homes, their jobs, their hope.
The nation said NO to keeping tax breaks for the rich, the Congress, the White House, said yes.
The nation is saying leave Afghanistan, the Congress, the White House, are saying stay longer despite increasing KIA's there among the soldiers, and, oh yes, the people of the country.
Fear and desperation are dividing us when we should be working together and demanding controls on corporations which are so blatantly concerned with profits, not with the welfare of the country, not with the welfare of THE PEOPLE.
Our very Constitution is under attack.
The mainstream media is blatantly not doing its job as a watchdog of real concerns.
BUT we have been here before, we have made it through, but the thing is when we made it through we worked together, not against each other. Let us remember: We hold these truths to be self-evident... and that one cannot find life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness without a job, without a home, without a chance to get them, or to get medical care that is sufficient.
We need to work together to rebuild our infra-structure; a new CCC, a new WPA, a new sense of identity by remembering who we are and what we can do. This was, and should be, a land of opportunity, not of despair as a small group gets richer and the rest of us struggle. Corporate America needs to be reminded that the only thing that trickles down is mud, not gold, not homes, not jobs. How long can we be expected to buy into that fantasy? Industry HERE, jobs HERE, decent wages and conditions here. Just that simple, and yes, an end to endless war.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout Over, Done, Finished, Out.
If 2011 is to be a better year, then we have to, pardon me Captain Picard, Make it so. by keeping the phone lines, e-mail, letters, and pressure up on the Congress, on the White House. Only we can decide if Yes, we can. by doing it.
A healthy, prosperous, and peaceful New Year to all. Miz' Remy
Any donation, no matter how small, to the maintenance of this site, to my pro bono work with veterans, would be deeply appreciated. Almost time to pay that yearly server bill again. Thanks, just click on Donations. And please do join us in writing The Little Book of War. If the truth of war is to be told, to be understood by the civilian population it must be written by those of you who know what it is really like. God Bless.
Peter Maass: The Toppling. Remy Benoit
From Peter Maass, The New Yorker, at Reader Supported News The Toppling:How the media inflated a minor moment in a long war.
AP:Mass Burial for Unclaimed Vets. Remy Benoit
From the AP at Military.com Mass Burial for Unclaimed Vets.
WORDS HAVE POWER TO DESTROY OR BUILD. Remy Benoit
Yes, these are tough times, but hate mongering, spewing of bigotry are not the way out of them.
From John Cory at Reader Supported News Reaping the Whirlwind.
From William Rivers Pitt at Truthout The Wrath of Fools: An Open Letter to the Far Right.
From Paul Krugman at the NY Times Climate of Hate.
At MSNBC Conservatives scoff at attempted linkage to shooting.
From Keith Olbermann at MSNBC Violence and threats have no place in a democracy.
From Scott Galindez at Reader Supported News STOP!
Senator John Kerry. Remy Benoit
Ezra Klein at the Washington Post brings you John Kerry's Speech Senator John Kerry.
From Chris Hedges, Truthdig at Reader Supported News Even Lost Wars Make Corporations Rich.
Larry Doyle: American Mandate. Remy Benoit
Larry Doyle, Sense on Cents Congressional Reform Act of 2011.
Every American should read this and send it to their Representatives and Senators to alert them to the fact that it is a privilege to serve, not their entrenched right to self-service their own needs. Constitutional amendments are few and far between, but this one is a must!
Constitutional Grab?. Remy Benoit
From Linn Washington Jr. This Can't Be Happening at Truthout Not A Video Game: Grand Theft-The Constitution.
We are being told that 2011 will see more casualties in Afghanistan, higher rate than last year which was higher than other years. We are being told that our troops are there to help bring self-determinate government to Afghanistan.
60+% of the American people feel the war should be ended, yet we are told that the downsizing of our troop commitment will be based on the situation and what is called for.
We are told that it is okay for corporations to secretly pour money into buying campaigns.
We are told that the rich can't handle paying a fair share of the taxes, while they consider downsizing Social Security for the elderly, ha, like me!
Perhaps we need to all read the Constitution again and realize that 2nd Amendment rights do not include political assassination.
Gabrielle Gifford's Prophetic Remarks on Sarah Palin's Crosshairs.
Since I still have to, like you, pay high taces, any donations to the maintenance of this site would be so welcomed! Just click on Donations.
It is time for the President to stand up and say "Enuf" and tell it like it really is. We are at a turning point in our history; the choices we make, Mr. President, will guide the future of our children and grandchildren. We BOOMERS want more choices, not less, for our children and grandchildren. We do not wish to go back to tenements, no unions, low wages, and certainly want to see Made in the USA again. If 60% of the population want this war to end, then the President and the Congress should be listening to us, not to the corporations who are making billions on American blood. Cost of War. Translate those numbers into infrastructure, Veteran care, cleaning up our devastated Gulf, schools, hospitals, environment. From NOLA Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Cleanup Inadequate, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser Says. We have to examine exactly what is going on here, not just over there, but here too. Is your local disabled veteran getting the care she or he needs? Have you asked them?
Leslie Griffith: Waking Up On Cold Mountain. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Waking Up On Cold Mountain.
Dahr Jamail: Sick Gulf Residents Beg Officials for Help. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Sick Gulf Residents Beg Officials for Help.
Why should anyone have to beg for help when their lives and livelihood have been destroyed by corporate greed and negligence?
Why is it that so many sit back and let "it happen" whatever is happening without raising their voices for their countrymen; their veterans; their own well being? How many of your roads, bridges, levees are falling apart? How many have potentially disastrous industry in their back yard?
Find your voice AMERICA not only for domestic issues, but for wars that are forever and going where?
"military-industrial complex". Remy Benoit
From Melvin A Goodman at Truthout Obama Ignores Eisenhower at Country's, World's Peril.
Why are we so quick to accept everything negative that is said about another country and its intentions without demanding absolute truth from diverse sources? The price of that acceptance is American blood as well as that of other countries.
At what cost in life do we use drones? How much collateral damage is acceptable? And, oh yes, how does such violence fit into the teachings of Jesus? At Consortium News from Rev. Howard Bess The Violence of Deformed Christianity.
Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream...to go to war?". Remy Benoit
At Rethink Afghanistan Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream...to go to war?"
John Cory: A Liberal Dose of Reality. Remy Benoit
From John Cory at Reader Supported News A Liberal Dose of Reality.
Jeff Cohen, Norman Solomon: A Time for Action-Not Servility. Remy Benoit
t Truthout A Time for Action-Not Servility.
Make your voice heard-health insurance, jobs, end to endless war.
Russ Feingold Speaks Out. Remy Benoit
An interview with John Nichols from The Nation Russ Feingold Speaks Out. at Reader Supported News.
The loss of Russ Feingold to the Senate is a major loss for justice, for progressivism, for truth in government.
War and spiritual state. Remy Benoit
From Robert C. Koehler at Common Dreams War, Violence, and Spiritual Death.
Again, I ask why we are so willing at the word of others to sacrifice our young?
Why is it easier to cheer for war than to work for peace?
How will a Congress that is trying to take health insurance away from its own people treat people of other nations?
What is your responsibility in a republic?
Ron Kovic: In the Presence of My Enemy: A Reflection on War and Forgiveness. Remy Benoit
A Reflection on War and Forgiveness.
Blessings Ron!
Corporations not only "people" but can dictate who is on the news?. Remy Benoit
Apparently we are back to the Robber Baron days. Not only does the House not want us to have health insurance, it seems that the powers that be do not want to let Keith Olbermann have his voice. The funny thing is that truth always wins out and the more one tries to squelch it, the louder it sings.
From John Nichols, The Nation, at Reader Supported News MSNBC Drops Keith Olbermann, as Cable Network's Lineup Shifts.
Just to keep in mind the old adage: What goes around, comes around. Big corporations cannot exist without clients. We are those clients. Goodbye MSNBC! How much power should Comcast have?
You decided by what station you tune to.
To Keith-thanks for having the courage to speak out while so many remained silent.
To Speaker Boehner: The form you need to give up your Congressional Health Insurance.
LA Times:Are Corporations People? . Remy Benoit
I may be a Senior Citizen with memory slips, but as far as I recall people walk, talk, love, laugh, cry. Doesn't appear to me that corporations do any of those. They don't give birth, cry with the pain of it, exult with the joy of it. They don't bury spouses, have heart attacks, pace hospital halls when their young have emergency surgery.
Somewhere we have slipped a bit from the intention of the Founding Mothers and Fathers about the rights to privacy; about the pursuit of happiness. Reading the Constitution doesn't do it; living it does. The intention of the law matters-each word matters-each word has its own intention and purpose for each of us. We can share
words, we can share stories, but the words in the Constitution, the blood of those who fought to give it to us, must be protected.
From the LA Times Are Corporations People?
Cambodia, Cataracts, Help. Remy Benoit
Blessings on this work. Once the enemy, now people, in a country that "we weren't bombing," in a country that knew the killing fields. Conquering Cataracts in Cambodia.
Go to it Dr. Gary!
Ira Chernus: Why are we still in Afghanistan? . Remy Benoit
We live with our history, we live with our myths.
It is time for a new mythology-one that binds people together in acknowledgement that we are all human with basic needs that must be met. Continuing with "them" versus "us" leads to mutual destruction and destruction of our very planet.
From Ira Chernus at History News Network What are we still in Afghanistan?
From George Lakoff at Truthout Untellable Truths.
Robert Scheer: Hogwash, Mr. President. Remy Benoit
What about our veterans? What about the costs of these wars? What about in ruining combat injuries; military divorce; PTSD?
What about our Gulf; what about faulty levees across the country; what about climate change?
Anyone notice the snow from D.C. north?
What about MADE IN THE USA?
What about health care and Social Security?
What about bought elections?
What about people are people, but corporations are not?
From Truthdig at Common Dreams Hogwash, Mr. President?.
Truly "inside" Viet Nam. Remy Benoit
From National Geographic Hang Ken.
Thom Hartmann: Rebooting the American Dream. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Rebooting the American Dream: 11 Ways to Rebuild Our Country.
Robert Kuttner: Where is the protest at home?. Remy Benoit
From the Huffington Poat Where is the protest at home?
Articles keep speaking to the financial problems, but somehow the endless wars are not addressed; not their costs in physical, mental, spritual costs to our soldiers, the people of these countries, or the billions in keeping them going and profits to suppliers, mercenary groups, etc.
All problems aer linked together with the attitude that there are those of us who deserve, and those of us who serve those desserts of endless profits.
David Lindorff: A Marine Remembers Learning to Kill-Learning Not to Kill. Remy Benoit
At Truthout A Marine Remembers Learning to Kill-Learning Not to Kill.
The author makes the good point that those who have not known war are too quick to support using it rather than diplomacy to work out things. They are also not there for veterans and cannot possibly understand that war changes anyone who goes to it, unless of course they come home in a body bag. But that too is a change-a life and all its possiblities lost.
Frank Rich: Wallflowers at the Revolution. Remy Benoit
From the New York Times Wallflowers at the Revolution.
It is not acceptable to abuse the earth. Remy Benoit
What does it take for us to see that for which we are responsible? Perhaps too many of us never walk on grass anymore; rejoice in a beautiful dawn or sunset. Perhaps too many of us never touch nature, just live in a world of windowless jobs with horrid florescent lighting.
The earth is crying, fuming, and we are not listening. From Damian Carrington, The Guardian, at Reader Supported News Mass tree deaths prompt fears of Amazon 'climate tipping point.'
Henry A. Giroux: Torturing Democracy. Remy Benoit
At Truthout "Torturing Democracy.
Rights Groups Vow to Hunt Bush Over Torture. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Rights Groups Vow to Hunt Bush Over Torture.
A Spin of a Tale?. Remy Benoit
From Eric Boehlert, Media Matters, at Reader Supported New FOX NEWS INSIDER: Stuff is just made up.
We have to ask ourselves, how long has truth been twisted to serve the purposes of a select few? How long have we supported callous, or worse, dictators of other countries for our own purposes? How long have we pillaged, plundered, and abused our planet, and thus, ourselves and future generations?
We can feed, clothe, and house all, and yet we choose not to; to hate, kill, and die instead of putting the energy we put into war into peace. We are illogical, self-defeating, and non-responsible and still we cannot see truth when it literally smacks us in the face as it does in the Gulf.
We have to ask what is terrorism, and what place do we play in it even if simply by keeping our heads in the sand, our fannies on the sofa, and our hearts in an off mode.
We have to ask ourselves why it is easier to hate, to sacrifice our young to endless wars, than to love.
We are at a turning point. We can make that a good one. We literally can go "where no one has gone before" if we choose cooperation, compassion, and creativity. All that is at stake is life and the planet. The choice seems pretty obvious doesn't it?
Veterans for Peace Demands Apology from Secretary Clinton. Remy Benoit
Are we so afraid of dissent, while she is talking about dissent, that we need to manhandle a 71 year old veteran?
Veterans for Peace Demands Apology of Secretary Clinton.
for standing by, continuing talking, and doing nothing while she lauds freedom seeking people.
William Rivers Pitt: Volunteers of America. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Volunteers of America.
Our soldiers are fighting for democracy abroad. It is up to us to fight for it here. Go Wisconsin!
Katrina vanden Heuvel: A Time for Resistance. Remy Benoit
From The Nation at Common Dreams A Time for Resistance.
From Charles Glass at The Nation A Time for Outrage.
Ignacio Ramonet A Call to Outrage.
Tired of paying taxes while corporations don't?. Remy Benoit
Visit U.S. UNCUT.
These same low tax paying corporations are the same ones who export jobs for cheap labor while you are looking for work and our soldiers are abroad fighting for democracy. What is wrong with that picture?
Find your state, use your voice!
Robert Reich: The Coming Shutdowns. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News The Coming Shutdowns.
Just check the numbers...facts are facts. Then look to the numbers to continue the wars, and cut the peace institute USIP.
CALL TO ACTION: STAND WITH WISCONSIN. Remy Benoit
Move On Call to Action: Stand With Wisconsin Rallies in Every State Capital to Save American Democracy.
So, so very many have given all, civilian and soldier, so we can have the democracy we must all stand to maintain.
We are at a turning point in history. Where we go from here for all the coming generations is up to us. Democracy or Plutocracy? The choice is ours, and we must now stand with the Founding Mothers and Fathers. This is not a time for Sunshine Patriots; this is a time for all Americans to stand and say: WE THE PEOPLE WILL PROTECT OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS. There is no life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness without homes, without jobs, without hope.
If the government needs money, let them tax the rich as they tax the rest of us. Let those in Congress give up their pensions and health insurance or provide for national health care. Let them use diplomacy instead of endless war leaving veterans who must beg the VA for care.
Once again we have reached the point of When in the course of human events although this time the problem is here, not abroad. We must stand with the principal of one person, one vote, not corporate dollars for votes.
Choose well. Your children are depending on you.
From one of the corporations that brought you agent orange. Remy Benoit
From Mike Ludwig at Truthout Why Monsanto Always Wins.
Also at Truthout from Brian Moench We're All Mad Here.
From Kevin Drum at Mother Jones Plutocracy Now: What Wisconsin is Really About.
From Van Jones at the Huffington Post Introducing the 'American Dream' Movement.
My grandmother belonged to the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Her sister, my incredible great aunt was a union leader. I belonged to a number of teachers' unions. It was unions that gave workers decent lives, or would you prefer tenements and 80 hour weeks? Always Look for the Union Label. GO WISCONSIN!
As to chemicals, ask our Viet Nam veterans who are riddled with all kinds of cancer, with Parkinsons, how they feel about wonder chemicals. We need to care for them, just as we need to care for all our veterans of these endless wars, which we are NOT doing properly.
So, when your grandchildren ask you, Where were you when the country made a choice to stand for democracy, for regulation of corporations and what they "give" us, what will you have to say?
From Bob Hebert, NY Times At Grave Risk.
Annie Leonard & Allison Cook: Five Ways You Can Fight Citizens United. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Five Ways You Can Fight Citzens United.
People laugh, cry, eat, get sick, love, play, work.
How can a legal entity like a corporation be defined as a person, and not only as a person but one who can spend secret millions to influence elections? AND if they are to be considered people, why would corporations get the tax breaks that you don't? Convoluted, and bought thinking.
Will Lobbyists be people next?
Robert Reich: The Republican Shakedown. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News The Republican Shakedown.
At Move On Rally to Save the American Dream.
Across the country, the people stand with Wisconsin. Remy Benoit
From Michelle Nichols at Common Dreams Labor Protests Draw Tens of Thousands Across America.
LOOK FOR THE UNION LABEL. Thousands gave so very much so you can. They fought financial tyrants, Pinkertons, weather, and Social Darwinism to you can.
Thom Shanker: Gates Warns Against More Wars Like Iraq and Afghanistan . Remy Benoit
At Truthout from NY TimesGates Warns Against More Wars Like Iraq and Pakistan
As to the paying for the cost of these wars, who is not paying taxes like you are?
At Truthout from Think Progress Zaid Jilani You Have More Money in Your Wallet Than Bank of America Pays in Taxes.
PHOTOS: 50 States Rally to Save the American Dream. Remy Benoit
AT MOVE ON 50 States Rally to Save the American Dream.
Robert Parry: Kicking The Vietnam Syndrome. Remy Benoit
At Consortium News Kicking The Vietnam Syndrome.
John Cory: Beautiful Wisconsin. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News by a very special man I am honored to call friend Beautiful Wisconsin.
Visit with John Cory.
Who didn't pay taxes 1998-2005. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News 2/3rd's of corporations didn't pay taxes 1998-2005.
What is wrong with that picture?
And ask yourself, who benefits from outsourced industry and war?
Support the Wisconsin 14; demand that Congress end endless war; and tell them if they so concerned about the budget that they should become Dollar a Year people, give up their paychecks, pensions, and health insurance. Assure them that if they lose their homes, well, they will have lots of company.
Layoffs and arrest warrants for Wisconsin Senators. Remy Benoit
From Michael Winter, USA Today Walker Readies Layoffs; Senate Leader Orders Arrest 14 Dems.
Our soldiers are all over the world fighting for democracy, for freedom of dissent; for freedom of speech. No governor has the right to hold his people hostage. Support the Wisconsin 14. Ohio has voted anti-labor legislation that was so hard won. Is your state next?
From Robert Redford at Reader Supported News The Absurd Prosecution of Bidder 70.
Congress: You really don't want to mess with BOOMERS. Remy Benoit
There are millions of us, and you know we are not afraid to express our opinions, or to take to the streets to voice them. Social Security is a covenant between The People and our government.
You haven't kept the Covenant you made with our Viet Nam veterans, or with veterans since then-none of them should be waiting years for compensation, like one of my friends with advanced Parkinsons who has been waiting for 16 months for his case to be settled.
None of them, or anyone else, should be living on the streets. NO ONE should have lost a home to bank misdeeds. NO ONE should be out of work.
Yes, many of us were lost in Viet Nam; many, many times the number of KIA have since passed from injuries or Agent Orange, but there are still millions of us with a long list of grievances with our veterans at the top of it. Be assured, Social Security comes next on the list, along with PBS, and a world of other things.
These things all need to be addressed, and do remember, $ can buy elections, but after election day, your time in Congress comes down to a per diem position, with heavy evaluations coming.
Robert Parry: CNBC Advocates Unbridled Capitalism. Remy Benoit
At Consortium News CNBC Advocates Unbridled Capitalism.
Laissez faire capitalism allows those with money and power to accumulate more. Unions and government regulation allow the rest of the folk to fulfill the American Dream.
Look back at history, take a Walk Down History Lane Richard Schneirov: The Town of Pullman.
Spence Holman: The Homestead and Pullman Strikes.
I don't think the American Dream is about going back to the tenements Jacob Riis. photographed.
If you don't know this book from 1887, read it and think about what Edward Bellamy was saying Looking Backward.
Robert Reich: THE BIRTH OF THE PEOPLE'S PARTY. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News THE BIRTH OF THE PEOPLE'S PARTY.
Contact Congress. and say we have had enough.
Dalai Lama Steps Down as Political Leader. Remy Benoit
At MSNBC Dalai Lama Steps Down as Tibetan Political Leader.
Robert Alvarez: On the Brink of Meltdown. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams On the Brink of Meltdown: The Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.
How to take a Jeep apart!. Remy Benoit
At YouTube Take Your Jeep Apart.
"Take our state back.". Remy Benoit
From John Nichols at Common Dreams Undaunted! More than 100,000 Wisconsonites Rally to "Take our state back."
Jeanne Mirer and Marjorie Cohn at Truthout Assault on Collective Bargaining Illegal Says International Labor Rights Group.
Robert Naiman: Washington Smackdown: Petraeus vs "Substanital Withdrawl". Remy Benoit
At Truthout Washington Smackdown: Petraeus vs Substantial Withdrawl.
When is enough endless war enough? How many more KIA's, WIA's do we need? How much more civilian "collateral" damage?
David Sirota: Mad Scientists in the Laboratories of Democracy. Remy Benoit
At In These Times Mad Scientists in the Laboratories of Democracy.
Wake up while we still have a democracy!
John Cory: War Holes. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News John Cory: War Holes.
Smith & Bauman-Making Government Work. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Contractors Watching Contractors? Where is the true oversight?.
Thalif Deen: War is Hell Especially for Women. Remy Benoit
At IPS War is Hell Especially for Women.
Benjamin & Davis: Instead of Bombing Dicatators Stop Selling Them Bombs. Remy Benoit
There is the old, but true, adage-what goes around comes around. It is true, what is sown is reaped. Yet we don't seem to think about the long term impact of what is done.
At Truthout Instead of bombing dictators, stop selling them bombs.
The young pay for the mistakes of the elders, and they pay dearly. Something else we need to re-think.
Grimmett: The War Powers Resolution. Remy Benoit
Preparing your taxes? G.E. isn't!. Remy Benoit
From David Kocieniewski at NY Times G.E.'s Strategies Let It Avoid Taxes Altogether.
Sorry, but you don't have lobbyists to voice your concerns in D. C. Guess if you don't like this, well, you will just have to busy the lines to Congress and the White House.
Thom Hartmann: Banding Together for the Common Good. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Banding Together for the Common Good.
Whose way of life are our soldiers defending; that of real people, or that of corporations?. Remy Benoit
At Grist, Bob Comis The Omnivore's Other Dilemma: Expanding access to non-industrial food.
From Keith Olbermann at FOK News We are a Progressive Nation. Be aware, America, many are trying to take away your rights.
NEWS:UNFILTERED; UNCENSORED; UNCOMPROMISING. Remy Benoit
A green mini-home. Remy Benoit
Times are tough thanks to the corporations and banks that are serving themselves rather than the American people. Many have lost homes because of bad mortgages; soldiers are coming home to no jobs.
And the bottom line is people need places to live.
In a democracy, the idea is that we work together for the common good. Countries have not been kind to the earth.
Here is a place to start finding a home and being environmentally kind. At Mother Earth News Robyn Griggs Lawrence: Mini-home combines style, affordability, and function in less than 1000 square feet.
What really matters?. Remy Benoit
Monopoly is a household word; most of us in the States have played it at one time or another.
This is a quite interesting view of what the game and a granny have to teach us.
This is NOT America!. Remy Benoit
Some of us are still blessed to have grannies.
This one, and so many other people, need the rest of us to stand up and say THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Granny Evicted By Force From Her Home.
This also is NOT AMERICA. We do not burn books here, religious or not. Everything we do personally impacts on others. This is not Christianity, not an act of love. From George Zornick Hate Pastor Burns Quran-UN Staff Killed in Afghanistan. He not only has to live with his mea culpas from this; he has to accept responsibility for his actions that led to the demise of others. If we want peace, we have to be peace.
More blood on the pastor's hands. From Matthew Fisher and the Montreal Gazette Bloody protests over Quran Burning Spread to Kandahar City.
From Mark Huffman at Reader Supported News Having A Job May Not Be Enough To Make Ends Meet Millions 'underemployed,' group claims. And our veterans are coming home to no jobs. Obviously, something is truly amiss. If the jobs, if the factories, have been taken out of the country, outsourced, well, there is one answer. Perhaps we should just say no to companies that are doing that, and also paying little or no taxes.
And Senator Bernie Sanders asks an important question Why did the Fed Bail Out the Bank of Libya?. A bank that is 59% owned by the Central Bank of Libya. Have you tried to get a loan lately? And, gee, are you wary of asking for a mortgage loan?
Paul Wasserman: Say Again All. Remy Benoit
Paul Wasserman is a veteran of the Iraq War, where he served as a noncommissioned officer in
an Army aircrew.
He holds master's degrees in philosophy and comparative literature, and lives in New York City.
He is currently at work on a long poem and a novel, both sourced in his wartime experiences.
Say Again All.
Please pass this announcement along. It has truly been a privilege to work with this very talented author.
Paul Wasserman burns the noise of war onto the page like scalding Braille scabs that sear our fingertips.
Say Again All is a powerful and intimate tour of those Kodak moments that capture war in the poet's lens.
Two words: Read It! - Paul Wasserman has a great talent and future.
John Cory, Author of Yesterday's Kiss Viet Nam Veteran, Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V Device, 1969-1970
Say Again All marks a stunning debut for Iraq War veteran Paul Wasserman.
It's the work of a man who's unwilling to let life pass him by.
Keenly observed and deeply felt, the poems are musical, sophisticated and accessible. And at times very funny.
I'd bet Wasserman has no choice but to pen poetry. It is evidently his calling.
Ted Jonathan, NYC poet, author of Bones & Jokes
Find a quiet spot where you can be alone and read these 2 dozen poems straight
through. Don’t worry if you think you don’t understand, you will, you will.
Brother Paul (combat veterans are true brothers) takes us to the core of the
experience of war. Like all great poetry, there is the beauty of language crafted by
a master and there are challenges that yield to repeated readings, but my tears
would not wait.
Fmr Sgt Christopher Gaynor Republic of Viet Nam ’67-‘68
Author of Viet Nam: The American War. A Soldier’s Story (available in 2012)
Paul Wasserman's Say Again All studies the wide landscape of wartime experience
by focusing on the spaces which envelop violence, loss, loneliness. Say Again All
travels down "Route Seagrams" and "Route Cuervo" (while wishing for Route Absolut)
with a dry, black humor; it is a necessary search, poem by poem, "for the measurement of the night's danger."
-Brian Turner, poet, Iraq War veteran, author of Here, Bullet.
Michael D. Shear: Obama to Meet Leaders From Congress on Stalemate. Remy Benoit
I just filed my taxes. Seems to me that if corporations were paying their fair share we would not have a shortfall. Also, if we end endless war, which yes, is costly in dollars, but more so in the lives of our young. With all due respect, may we remind Mr. Boehner that he is NOT President. So, ladies and gentlemen, start pouring the coffee, ditch the tea, stay up late tonight and get to it. People on Social Security have a contract with the government that Congress needs to respect and get off their political high horses and nit picking about. We elected people to get the job done. Perhaps those who were elected with secret finances can't cut the mustard? Figure on staying up late and for once getting the job done. Let the rich pay some taxes too. Enough pork barreling for the rich.
At The New York Times Obama to Meet Leaders From Congress on Stalemate.
From Robert Scheer, Truthdig at Common Dreams The Peasants Need Pitchforks. Is there something wrong with 1% controlling 40% of the wealth? Doesn't add up in my book, how about yours?
From Chris Hedges, Truthdig at Reader Supported New This is what resistance looks like.
Veterans are coming home to no jobs. Don't they deserve more?
Nicholas D. Kristof: Why Pay Congress?. Remy Benoit
At the New York Times Why Pay Congress?
Each vote in a democracy is supposed to be equal; that is unless you have millions and millions to spend to make your vote, your policies, your wants more important than the American people-even when it comes to toxicity. From John Alyosius Farrell at Reader Supported News Koch's Web of Influence. So, who is lobbying for your interests, well, like a legal and doable mortgage, or maybe even a job? Who are our soldiers defending; the American people or corporations? We have some real thinking to do and real action to take.
IAVA: Combat to Career. Remy Benoit
Veterans are coming home and need jobs too. Take a look at what the IAVA is doing to help.
About injuries in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at Just Foreign Policy Protect Your Manhood: End the War in Afghanistan.
Inspiring the Altruistic Moment. Remy Benoit
Tomorrow Scaugdht begins a walk to Florida. You may follow his progress at his blog Inspiring the Altruistic Moment.
Alternatives Economiques: And if we were to change-everything. Remy Benoit
At Truthout And if we were to change-everything.
John Cory: Love Me, I'm a Liberal. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News, from one of the strongest voices we have defending our democracy, a man I am honored to call my friend, John Cory Love Me, I'm a Liberal!
Dean Baker: Government by People Who Hate You. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Government by People Who Hate You.
Andrew Winston: Corporate Citizenship Should Include Paying Taxes. Remy Benoit
At Huff Post Corporate Citizenship Should Include Paying Taxes.
THE VOTE TO END SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE. Remy Benoit
From Bill Scheer at Truthout THE VOTE THIS WEEK TO END MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY.
These are contracts between the government and THE PEOPLE. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR AMERICANS TO STAND UP FOR THEIR TIGHTS; TO SAY NO MORE TO THE CORPORATE TAKEOVER OF THE COUNTRY?
Mr. President, it is time to say NO, to take a stand; to go to THE PEOPLE and tell the truth of all of it. You told us "Yes, we can." We are not seeing our rights protected. Put the numbers out there of corporations enriching themselves at the cost of the nation, indeed, at the cost of our standard of life, and national security. There comes a day when nothing else matters but the truth. "Preserve, protect, and defend" are to you what "Honor, Duty, Country" are to those of West Point. We hold all of you, and all of us, to that pledge Those who would put self before country are not concerned with its welfare. Mr. President, take a stand and say NO MORE! Contact the White House.Andrew J, Bacevich. Remy Benoit
At the American Empire Project Not Why, But How To the Shores of ( and Skies Above ) Tripoli.
William Rivers Pitt: I Remember America. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Pitt speaks to the proposed breakage of a contract with the American People regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and SOCIAL SECURITY. This is intolerable. AND if they can do this, how far behind with the already inadequate care for our veterans be?
Why there is a rolling fast across this country to resist Republican budget cuts.. Remy Benoit
30,000 already fasting and the numbers are increasing.
Mr. President, Mr. Boehner, can you hear us? If not yet, you will soon. Please remember how many senior Boomers are around and we want more for our children and grandchildren, not less. Tax corporations, bring business home, and end endless wars! Not hard, just a DO IT!
Joseph E. Stiglitz: Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News, does the 1% really think the rest of us haven't noticed? Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%.
I just had an emergency vet visit to save my cat's life today...for the 1%, that $511 bill wouldn't be a hiccup, for me it is a huge gulp. Miz' Persephone is here with me at the moment, recovering from the anesthetic, purring happily.
We do what we must for those we love, no matter the cost.
I cannot help but wonder just how much love there is in the 1% for the country. We do not live as isolated individuals gathering wealth for ourselves without one day paying the price. Just ask Mr. Scrooge. Unfortunately, the rest of the country is suffering for their greed. Just how much is enough when so many in the world have no food, no bed, no hot shower, no job, no education?
Is any gold faucet worth knowing children here and abroad are starving to death; being riddled and wasted by curable diseases?
It has always fascinated me that the 19th century Robber Barons are honored for museums and libraries they built, built on sweated labor. Do we really want Ryan and others to be allowed to bust unions?
1% vs, 99%...humm, 'the good of the many' does it not outweigh the good of the ONE?
Woodie Guthrie: This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land.
Check out the lyrics, carefully:
This Land is Your Land.
Bill of Rights Defense Committee. Remy Benoit
Bill of Rights Defense Committee.
Daniel Marans: Senators Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum Introduce Their`"Brilliant" Plan to Reduce Social Security. Remy Benoit
At Campaign for America's Future Daniels Marans: Senators Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum Introduce Their`"Brilliant" Plan to Reduce Social Security.
And from Bill Scheer The House Republican Budget Eliminates Nearly All of Our Government. I'm Not Kidding.
Congress to debate budget. Remy Benoit
At MSNBC Congress Set ot Vote On Budget Cutting Plan.
Medicare for the young must be protected. Is
Congress willing to give up its health care or its pensions? Or to end endless war?
Michael Klare: Avenging Planet. Remy Benoit
At Tom Dispatch Avenging Planet.
Why is it so hard to nurture, rather than destroy the planet and ourselves? We have a planet that is a garden, and yet we treat it like a trash pile to throw anything we want into it; to toss it, turn it, put all manner of "stuff" onto and into it, and expect that Mother Nature will smile on us, excuse the hubris of her children. Did not Icarus learn the lesson? Can we not choose life over death?
Have we learned nothing from Agent Orange; from Three Mile Island; from Chernobyl as the "significance rate" of the latest nuclear disaster in Japan mounts? Seemingly not. At MSNBC Bill Dedman: Nuclear Neighbors: Population Rises Near US Reactors.
Shouldn't anything so obscene that it is a planet eater be deemed unacceptable?
Choose: garden or desolation: war or peace; love or hate; democracy or plutocracy? Your voice can make a difference. Ask Mr. Boehner to visit the food kitchens in his district-perhaps if he gets enough letters he cannot ignore them. Tell GE and all the others, equal taxation. Tell the corporations to bring green businesses home.
Demand to know the REAL profits of those who so profit from war.
Demand that the reactors, oil drills, gas lines be subject to extremely close supervision.
It is your garden and it and its water and its democracy and democratic movements are being so badly used.
At Reader Supported News, from the LA Times Senate Panel: Goldman Sachs Profited from the Financial Crisis. How much love of country is involved in this kind of financial manipulation? How many people lost homes, jobs, dreams?
Unless we work together; unless we share compassion, communication, and cretivity, can we survive. Choose, life or death.
The Peoples' Budget. Remy Benoit
Why George Takei Should be Spiderman!. Remy Benoit
The crew of the Enterprise grew into our hearts over the years. They gave us hope, tears, and laughter.
George will always be my favorite d'Artagnan.
We cheered when Sulu got his own command
And now, should he be Spiderman? In this house he has all the votes! George Takei "Auditions" for the role of Spiderman.
Perhaps many of you do not know that our so loved Sulu spent many of his childhood years in an WWII internment camp. For that, we are so very sorry. Let us remember the mistakes of that time so that we are more cautious, more rational in the world we are growing today.
George is proof that you can rise above the tribulations of childhood to shine as a person; can go where no other person has gone, or could go, before-to follow your own dreams to fulfillment.
May you continue, George, to weave your web of magic!
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
At West Chester University: Soldiers to Scholars. Remy Benoit
I was delighted to come across this wonderful project in West Chester's University News. Soldiers to Scholars.
Our veterans have a tremendous amount of experience they can share with us; they also have a very strong desire to have people know what they have known. Do support this tremendous endeavor at West Chester, whose halls I knew such a long time ago. And do also support similar projects at universities across the country.
Best luck with this project.
Miz' Remy
West Chester, MA, 1973
TAX DAY: MAKE THEM PAY!. Remy Benoit
Brought to you by your fellow paying Americans.
From Bernie Sanders Release: Tax Time? Not for Giant Corporations.
Read the release and weep; and then let them know, NO MORE! We are all Americans; we all share responsibility for our country. Please let others know who is not living up to those responsibilities.
We are not broke. Follow the money Conservative Tax Tricks: Are We "Broke?" at Campaign for America's Future.
Brian Stelter: How to Pay No Taxes. Remy Benoit
In which case you are not contributing to care for our veterans.
If you don't like the new budget,are concerned about Medicare, sign the petition.Sign Our Petition.
Lobbyists DRONE on. Remy Benoit
From Nick Mottern at Truthout Lobbying Report: Drone Fly Through Congress to Enter U.S. Air.
There are so very many things we need to be aware of. Your donations, no matter how small, help to keep me here to help you find what you need to know and to be able to go on supporting our veterans each and every day in every way possible.
Blessings, and keep faith: We are the People.
Miz' Remy
Another Casualty of War. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Clay Hunt: A Particularly Poignant-But Uncounted-Casualty of War.
Suicide rates among veterans keep rising. Why are we not there to help them? They are your family, your relatives, your neighbors, your countrymen and women. Reach out, give help where it is needed, and demand that no war be fought without every single other possibility attempted. And do recall that the real power to declare war rests with the Congress. Demand that Congress step up and assume responsibility for blood split during and after war.
Budget Deficit Before or After?. Remy Benoit
From James P. Hoffa at Reader Supported News Scott Walker and the Koch Brothers.
From Stephen Ohlemacher, AP Super Rich See Federal Taxes Drop Dramatically.
Happy Tax Day! If you are not pleased with the system, do let the "system" know.
Paul Krugman: Let's Not Be Civil!. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News from the NY Times Let's Not Be Civil.
Chris Hedges at Truthout Throw Out the Money Changers.
And down here at the Gulf, BP is still causing damage. Sue Sturgis: A Year Later, BP's Oil is Still Damaging the Gulf. When is enough, enough?
John Conyers: We Can't Afford the War in Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News We Can't Afford the War in Afghanistan.
Donna Smith: Quarter-Million Dead and Not Counting. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Quarter-Million Dead and Not Counting. Those are the numbers over the last few years here who have died from not having health care.
Our veterans are still having serious problems getting their care from the VA.
We have to question why in a country such as this.
Who is blocking the way to decent, affordable, health care? Read the article to find out how many have had to declare bankruptcy because of health care costs.
When something is so blatantly wrong, we should have no problem demanding that the wrong be made right. It is your country, your voice, unless, of course, you fall under: Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission. At Reader Supported News, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now Koch Brothers Caught Telling 50,000 employees how to vote.
Another wrong that should be made right? Or do the Koch brothers own the country, and that is okay with you?
Garrett Epps: WE THE PEOPLE. Remy Benoit
From The Nation at Utne We the People.
Look for many of the roots of the Constitution in the Constitution of the Iroquois Nation: The Great Binding Law, Gayanashagowa.
Stand Up for Our Survivors of Sexual Assault. Remy Benoit
Sign the petition Stand Up for Our Survivors of Assault.
John Cory: Are 9/11 Responders Terrorists?. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Are 9/11 Responders Terrorists?.
Somewhere along the line we have lost something; something long paid for in blood: the rights of individuals to decent, respectful treatment when they give their best. Why should these people who met the needs of so many in such horror have to be subjected to such indignity? Indeed, why should our veterans when they seek the care that they gave so much to earn?
We truly need to rethink who we are.
Bernie Sanders: Analysis: Banks Play Shell Game With Taxpayer Dollars. Remy Benoit
When will we say we have had enough?
At Common Dreams Banks Play Shell Game With Taxpayer Dollars.
Do you know what an EMF is? You should learn as they are about to control your life. Rania Khalek: Today Detroit-Tomorrow Every City in America.
And about that company whose subsidiary was not too kind to our troops Abby Zimet: Halliburton Rakes it In While Asking, What Oil Spill.
If the "plan" is to get rid of Medicare and Social Security, how long do you think the VA will be even remotely funded? From Dave Lindorff at Truthout Talking Revolution the New Elderly Generation Can Provide the Spark for an American Rising.
NY Times Editorial: The Republican Threat to Voting. Remy Benoit
While our soldiers are abroad trying to help with the spread of democracy, the Republicans are trying to curtail it here while they try union busting, ending Medicare, Social Security, and more. Time to wake up, America!
At Reader Supported News The Republican Threat to Voting.
Goebbels used the technique of the BIG LIE. The bigger the lie the better as people will not consider that something so horrendous could be made up. The Republican mouthpieces have had their witch hunt for Obama's birth certificate; now it will be something else-what he read/reads, if he shaves with a razor, electric or manual; how light or dark he likes his toast-obviously something to be "read into" that. Perhaps it is an issue that he is BLACK? Can we face the truth about that? Or is it that he defeated one of the money gatherers in the election? Or a hundred other things? From Keith Olbermann at FOK Maguffins 1, Obama 0.
If these people are so sure of themselves, why don't the just come out and say 'we want a plutocracy; we want all your rights; we want all your money and you should gladly accept serfdom, and, of course, let us send your children off to war for whatever reasons we like, and, no, of course, we will not take care of them when they come home-why would you possibly expect that?'
John Cory: A Sad Day for America.
Randall Amster: Obama Bags Osama--So Now What. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Obama Bags Osama--So Now What?
Stay in, leave Iraq. Remy Benoit
From Robert Burns, AP. at Reader Supported News Pentagon's Second Thoughts on Iraq.
Jim Hightower: GOP House Chooses Big Oil Over Granny. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreans GOP House Chooses Big Oil Over Granny. or how to pay no taxes on 19 billion and get millions in rebates too! Read it, weep, and then call Congress.
Opening the doors and windows to the chicken coop we are in?. Remy Benoit
From Spencer Ackerman at Reader Supported News Blackwaters New Ethics Chief: John Ashcroft.
How large do we want private armies who truly answer to no one?
Robert Greenwald: With 42 Billion Dollars and 7 Houses, Why are the Koch Brothers Trying to Buy Our Democracy?. Remy Benoit
Share your thoughts with this family which seems to want your back yard too.
Ananya Mukherjee-Reed: Rabindranath Tagore :Much More Than a Mystic. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Rabindranath Tagore: Much More Than a Mystic.
If you have too much month left at the end of your money.... Remy Benoit
Perhaps you could do this and get paid like this by major corporations who need your bailout money because of his economic policies?
From Peter H. Stone at Reader Supported News '43's becoming a high-profile on the buck raking circuit. Perhaps he is also explaining why he didn't catch Bin Laden, or why the wars are still going on, and who they are profiting? Or not.
Jeremy Scahill: Blackwater Founder Creating Private Army of 'Christian Crusaders'. Remy Benoit
From Democracy Now at Reader Supported News Blackwater Founder Creating Private Army of 'Christian Crusaders'"
And who is to control private armies, answerable to nothing but money?
Danny Schecter: Too Big to Jail. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Too Big to Jail
Somehow I don't think this is what our soldiers are fighting to preserve.
Memorial Day. Remy Benoit
While the chips and burgers are being gathered and the grill set up, ball games organized our troops are serving in hellish conditions around the world.
They will not be accidentally dripping catsup on their fatigues, they will be dripping real blood into foreign soil.
We need to ask ourselves if we have done all we can, and it is sad but the answer is an obvious no, to make peace; to make sure what our leaders are doing is in the best interest for us, not for themselves, not for a handful of their buddies at the disadvantage of the nation, and of our soldiers.
From Abby Zimet at Common Dreams Thank George W , Again: Tax Cuts, War Account for Nearly Half the Public Debt By 2019. While banks and corporations are getting bailouts, soldiers and veterans are losing their homes; waiting for medical treatment; waiting for you to be there for them.
If you want to know what endless war is like for soldiers, join Michael Anthony at Mass Casualties.
ACLU at Reader Supported News House Passes Bill Authorizing Endless "Worldwide War." Last time I read the Constitution, the power to declare war resided in the Congress, not the Executive. To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
Andrew J. Bacevich: Endless War Dishonors the Troops. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News, Colonel Bacevich U.S. Army Retired Endless War Dishonors the Truth.
Henry A Giroux: Zombie Politics, Democracy, and the Threat of Authoritarianism, Part 1. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Zombie Politics.
Anyone Remember We Have a Constitution With Separation of Powers?. Remy Benoit
From Robert Naiman at Truthout At Long Last, House Debates and Votes on Libya War Powers.
Climate Change for the Southeast. Remy Benoit
It is 96F on my front porch in the shade. Rain has been extremely infrequent of late. We had, and I measured, one and one half inch of rain in all of May when it "should" have been raining according to locals who have lived here all their lives.
I constantly see going nowhere debates on whether climate change is real. You may check out your area with this group, but here is the article if you live in the Southeast Climate Change Southeast.
Grass Roots Action. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Dick Hogan Deputies and Movers Show up at Bank of America to Seize Assets.
Hopefully, the first of many to find justice.
Justice, like democracy, is up to you to tend.
Ted Englemann: Objects for Deployment. Remy Benoit
Engelmann, a Veteran of the American War in Viet Nam and an embed photographer in both Iraq (2008) and Afghanistan (2009-2010), with a great-great grandfather who fought in the Civil War and a father who was in the September, 1944 invasion of the Philippines, presents, in these richly full 114 pages, a devastating history of those costs of war that are never immediately apparent. The author states his purpose in the Preface, telling the reader that “This book is about the invisible wounds of war that affect us as individuals, families, communities and as a nation”. Indeed. You need only look at what is happening to combat veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the evidence.
We follow the evolution in understanding of war trauma beginning with the Civil War when it was called ‘Soldier’s Heart’ to the post Viet Nam War Era when in 1980 the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was adopted. We get a concise study of each war illustrated with photographs either from the author’s vintage collection or from his own expert lens. This is both a study of big events that have profound ramifications at an individual level, and a deeply personal story; a father who never talked about his war experiences and a son whose own trauma derailed a life by intergenerational transmission of behavior that suppressed his ability to deal with his demons. The final chapters take us on Engelmann’s embeds to Iraq and Afghanistan. Remarkable photos and the unique perspective of a Viet Nam veteran give us a different view of these conflicts.
But my favorite chapter takes us along for the author’s return to Viet Nam two decades after his tour of duty. These stories and photographs are beautiful and moving and ultimately tell of the healing that comes from replacing dark with light and despair with hope. And that is the point. By facing the true nature of warfare, how it damages the warrior inside even if he or she doesn’t show a single external wound, and facing the truth we can start the journey to the creation of a future with a world at peace.
Fmr Sgt. Christopher Gaynor
Republic of Viet Nam ’67-‘68
The book is available at Lulu. Just type in Ted Engelmann in the search key. There is a free download too!
Ann Pelo Early Childhood Military Education?. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Early Childhood Military Education?
Andrew Bacevich: Afghanistan: Obama's Moment of Decision. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Col. Andrew Bacevich, U.S. Army Retired—Afghanistan: Obama's Moment of Decision.
Hannah Gurman: Bigger Than Blackwater: Arming the UAE. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Bigger Than Blackwater: Arming the UAE.
Also at RSN Matt Taibbi—Goldman Tries, Fails to Sell Soul With Libya Deal.
Robert Naiman: . Remy Benoit
At the Huff Post On War and Peace, the Senate Starts to Move.
Adm. Mike Mullern: U.S. Won't Leave Afghanistan. Remy Benoit
Agence France-Press at RSN Adm.Mike Mullen: U.S. Won't Leave Afghanistan.
Shawna Bethell: Let's Teach About War. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Let's Teach About War.
Jim Hightower: The Unanswered Question in Afghanistan is, WHY?. Remy Benoit
It is interesting that we speak of WAR as almost an entity of its own. War is not a thing, it is a conscious, concerted action that involves soldiers, civilians, homes, streets, cultural centers, the earth herself, and people with horridly interrupted, ruined, or ended lives.
What if those facing war in any country wrote individual letters to other people, to other nations explicitly depicting what they are going through?
What if you could really see soldiers building schools; soldiers seeing children blown to bits?
What if we stopped thinking about war as it own entity and started seeing it for what it is: a conscious, concerted action, the decision for which has been made somewhere along the line by those who supposedly really "know what is going on" like weapons of mass destruction; terrorists, etc. We need to ask why we are not attacking our allies, where terrorist groups are, and long have been, active?
We need to ask ourselves why there are terrorist groups, and not just accept the easy answers like religion and isms, but think about food, the lack thereof; housing, education, medical care, etc., etc.
At Truthout Why?
Independence Day. Remy Benoit
Every time I listen to Bill Pullman deliver this speech I ask myself why we cannot come together like this without an alien invasion. Why can't we see that we all want the best for our children; we all laugh, cry, sing, dance, get sick, even die.
Why can't we recognize that we all just need love, food, clothes, decent housing and respect?
Why can't we understand that all we send to war know horror and need us to be there for them?
Listen to Bill again and ask yourself these questions; then go find the answers to them and act on those answers. Today We Celebrate Our Independence.
This one is for you, Ron Kovic. Happy Birthday from all of us with our love and respect! How appropriate that such a voice for freedom and peace was Born on the 4th of July.
White House Lifts Ban on Condolences for Military Suicides. Remy Benoit
From Dan Lothian White House Lifts Ban on Condolences for Military Suicides.
William Rivers Pitt: A Looming Betrayal. Remy Benoit
At Truthout A Looming Betrayal.
Social Security and Medicare are covenants between the government and The People. THEY ARE NOT BARGAINING TOOLS, MR. PRESIDENT. This is not what you were elected for; THIS IS NOT PART OF WE CAN.
Unacceptable...no dispute, just unacceptable.
Congress should be giving up their medical care; Congress should be giving up their pensions. They are not above us; they are of us, there to serve, not to make enormous profits; not there to be influenced by lobbyists. They are they to express our will, not theirs.
As there is a huge debt, the solutions are easy.
TAX THE RICH, TAX THE BANKS; END USURIOUS CREDIT CARD RATES; REALLY INVESTIGATE THE MORTGAGE FRAUD AND PENALIZE; END THESE ENDLESS WARS; TAX THE MUNITIONS MAKERS AND THE PRIVATE ARMIES and give this country back to THE PEOPLE.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO, MR. PRESIDENT, IS STAND UP AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS; EXPLAIN WHO IS MAKING VAST PROFITS WHILE JOBLESSNESS RISES. YOU ARE NOT A LAME DUCK, YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT, THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF. END THE WARS, END THE FINANCIAL ABUSE OF THE FEW OVER THE MANY. REMIND THEM THAT THEY ARE AMERICANS TOO. WE DON'T NEED ROBBER BARONS, WE NEED DOLLAR A YEAR PERSONS. WE NEED A NEW CCC, A NEW WPA AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. WE CANNOT CARRY THE RICH ON OUR BACKS. WE SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO BECAUSE THE ANSWER IS A SIMPLE NO. ENOUGH.
MAY I suggest that all in the White House and Congress read Edward Bellamy's first chapter of Looking Backward from 1887. Have we learned so little?
From Bernie Sanders, Brave New Foundation Koch Brothers' Campaign to Kill Social Security. Tell these two that they cannot buy our country. What kind of hubris is it that two feel they can buy the country, buy elections? Are they not aware of the story of Icarus? There are old but true adages: What goes around comes around; and you reap what you sow. You cannot buy freedom that was already paid for in blood. It belongs to All THE PEOPLE not to a handful to usurp for their own purposes. Tell that to the Congress; tell that to the White House. NO MORE for just the FEW, the country is for the Many. Tax the rich; control election donations; dissolve lobbyists. All so simple if we tell it like it really is. If we demand that the President command by telling it all like it really is. Wouldn't it be great to be the first President who actually did that?
"Don't Call My Bluff.". Remy Benoit
A long over due stand from the Presidents. We are a can do people and some of us need to be reminded that we are Americans first: bankers, robber barons, private army heads, oil companies second.
From Jake Tapper and Ann Compton, ABC at RSN Obama to Republicans: Don't Call My Bluff.
Many of those in Congress need to be reminded that we are a democracy, not a plutocracy. Some of the deficit could be made up if Congress gave up their health care and pensions. Some of them
need to be reminded that we are a democracy, not a plutocracy. The rest of the deficit that some of these people caused could easily be made up by taxing the rich, and ending these endless wars.
Bernie Sanders: Elections Have Consequences. Remy Benoit
Senator Sanders at RSN Elections Have Consequences.
How much does it take before the American people say "Enough" to those few who are truly holding the country hostage for their own benefit?
Tax the rich, end the endless wars, and take a stand and tell your Representatives and Senators, "Enough. Do what you are paid to do: Represent ALL YOUR CONSTITUENTS, NOT JUST A GREEDY HANDFUL."
By Lisa Graves at RSN About ALEC Exposed. Is this how you want your laws made?
Frank Joseph Smecker and Derrick Jensen: You Can't Kill a Planet and Live On It, Too. Remy Benoit
At Truthout You Can't Kill a Planet and Live On It, Too.
What did you do today to be kind to the earth?
Editing, Proof Reading, Book Reviewing, and Publishing with Remy Benoit. Remy Benoit
Remy Benoit
You are writing your book! Congratulations.
Now you need help, and I can provide you all kinds of help.
Do you need an in depth review? I can do that for you as I have done for so many others.We can post it at Amazon, at B&N, at my site, at yours and those you feel will benefit from knowing about your work and passing it along. My review can be e-mailed through my extensive list; through yours; and through your friends who will be happy to help you.
For Reviewing the rates are up front through PayPal and I require that you send a review copy..
Up to 300 pages $150
300-350 pages $200
350-400 pages $300
400-500 pages $400
for each increment of 50 pages, add $50.
For Reviewing you may contact me at: Remy Benoit
Do you need help proof reading your book?
Do you need editing help? You will find my rates and recommendations at Remy Benoit Writing.
Do you need your book published? I can do that too for you as a POD book through my Front Porch History. For publishing, explain your needs, your cover desires and do keep in mind that any cover design must be sent to me as 300 DPI dots per inch. Remy Benoit
If you have an idea for a book and need help developing it, I can help you, as I have helped so many others, to bring that idea to fruition. I will help you with fiction, historical fiction, war stories, non-fiction, collective memory books, biography, autobiography, spirituality, poetry, romance, science fiction, and fantasy. I do not do math or science.
This is your chance to bring your dream book into reality with my help. Just think how you can amaze your family and friends when you hand them copies of your books. If you have an idea you are really committed to let's make your dream a reality.
Starting today. Remy Benoit
Tell Congress and the President: NO SOCIAL SECURITY OR MEDICARE CUTS!. Remy Benoit
From Jane Hamsher at Common Dreams Over 2000 People Will Say No...Will You?
Bernie Sanders: Disaster Warning on 'Gang of Six'. Remy Benoit
At RSN Disaster Warning on 'Gang of Six'.
More tax cuts for the rich?
More cuts in Medicare, Social Security, education, health care, etc.
Don't think so? Say so to Congress!
Bernie Sanders: "This Senator is Going to Fight Back.". Remy Benoit
At RSN Sanders: This Senator is Going to Fight Back.
Wall Street Reform. Remy Benoit
Matt Talbibi: Corporate Tax Holiday in Debt Ceiling Deal: Where's the Uproar?. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Corporate Tax Holiday in Debt Ceiling Deal: Where's the Uproar?.
How long will you let the corporations use us as animals to carry them on our backs?
How long will you accept endless war, and veterans who are not properly cared for?
Editing, Proofing, Book Reviews and Publishing With Remy Benoit. Remy Benoit
You are writing your book! Congratulations.
Now you need help, and I can provide you all kinds of help.
Do you need an in depth review? I can do that for you as I have done for so many others.We can post it at Amazon, at B&N, at my site, at yours and those you feel will benefit from knowing about your work and passing it along. My review can be e-mailed through my extensive list; through yours; and through your friends who will be happy to help you.
For Reviewing the rates are up front through PayPal and I require that you send a review copy..
Up to 300 pages $150
300-350 pages $200
350-400 pages $300
400-500 pages $400
for each increment of 50 pages, add $50.
For Reviewing you may contact me at: Remy Benoit
Do you need help proof reading your book?
Do you need editing help? You will find my rates and recommendations at Remy Benoit Writing.
Do you need your book published? I can do that too for you as a POD book through my Front Porch History. For publishing, explain your needs, your cover desires and do keep in mind that any cover design must be sent to me as 300 DPI dots per inch. Remy Benoit
If you have an idea for a book and need help developing it, I can help you, as I have helped so many others, to bring that idea to fruition. I will help you with fiction, historical fiction, war stories, non-fiction, collective memory books, biography, autobiography, spirituality, poetry, romance, science fiction, and fantasy. I do not do math or science.
This is your chance to bring your dream book into reality with my help. Just think how you can amaze your family and friends when you hand them copies of your books. If you have an idea you are really committed to let's make your dream a reality.
Starting today. Remy Benoit
RE: This is Why Social Security Should Not be a Bargaining Tool. Remy Benoit
At AARP Trudy Lieberman: The Missing Voices.
Those of you who have just don't get it! Well, it is time you do.
Keith Olbermann: Murdoch Henchman Responsible for Climate-Gate?. Remy Benoit
At RSN Murdoch Henchman Responsible for Climate-Gate?
Have you ever wondered how inaccurate reporting impacts on your life, on our soldiers? Mr. Boehner has left the White House to "try" to work it out in the House. How will your house be impacted by what that House does, or doesn't do? And just who decided that the rich should be excused from equitable taxes; the same rich who have taken jobs out of the country; the same rich that gave out bad mortgages; the same rich who now want to take food off the tables of the elderly; the same rich who have great health care but don't want you to have any?
Your donations of any amount will help me continue my direct work with veterans and telling their stories, and my work here in shedding light on what is really happening, not glitzed over and "twisted" for the good of the few, rather than the good of the many.
Ralph Nader: Why Not Corporate Patriotism for a Change?. Remy Benoit
The Chicago Tribune at RSN Why Not Corporate Patriotism for a Change?
Are corporate leaders not Americans too?
Corporations are not born in blood; they do not cry, laugh, love, eat anything but subsidies and tax breaks; do not drink anything, but expel the fluids their wastes produce defiling water; do not put their lives in danger in combat, do not suffer PTSD; and do not die because they cannot afford health care. Just exactly what makes them people?
Robert Reich: Medicare is the Solution Not the Problem. Remy Benoit
At RSN Medicare is the Solution Not the Problem.
How do ever increasing medical costs impact on the care for our veterans we make each and every day?
Your donations help keep my work going. Thanks so much.
Editorial NY Times: The Party That Can't Say Yes. Remy Benoit
At RSN The Party That Can't Say Yes.
So, the elderly, the sick should suffer while the rich get richer?
Robert Reich: Vicious Cycles. Remy Benoit
A new CCC, a new WPA? I have been calling for them for months, many months. Our workers need it, our infrastructure needs it.
At RSN Vicious Cycles.
Billions are being made on these wars. Wonder where they are going? Certainly not to the soldiers.
Bob Fritakis: New Court Filing Reveals How the 2004 Presidental Election Was Hacked. Remy Benoit
At Truthout from Free Press New Court Filing Reveals How the 2004 Presidental Election Was Hacked.
Jonathan Cohn: The Bush Deficit. Remy Benoit
At RSN The Bush Deficit.
With all this spending, how much goes to take care of all the veterans from these wars and past ones?
William Rivers Pitt: So This is Despair. Remy Benoit
At Truthout So This is Despair.
Where is the Yes We Can in all this?
How can one bargain with people for whom collective bargaining is an anathema? How can one bargain with union busters; with those who have no care for those of us who worked all our lives, who are old, ill, and wondering where the funds for the next electric bill will come?
How can one bargain with people who are concerned only with profits, not with the welfare of their country or those in it?
Mr. Obama we gave you a mandate to improve things; not to take them away; not to throw away into the trash of greed our Social Security and our Medicaid and Medicare? What is next, the limited VA funding?
Why not throw away the Lobbyists? What not enough voting power actually used to say tax those who can afford to be taxed? Penalize those who take industry out of the country; who foreclose improperly on homes; who charge us exorbitant interest rates?
It has all been turning upside down since Nixon. It is time to turn it right side up.
Is there anyone in Washington besides a few like Bernie Sanders who care to remember why they are there? To represent us, not corporations, not the rich, and certainly not to break contracts with the American People.
Despair, yes; disgust, yes; disenchantment, yes, long, long gone.
Have we honored those we sent secretly into other countries during wars; who put everything on the line because they believed in this country, in democracy?
Have we no respect for the blood at Normandy, at Anzio, at a thousand other places that we would give away what was paid for so dearly to a handful for whom more than enough is never enough?
Veterans PTSD Worksheet. Remy Benoit
Andrew J. Bacevich: Ballpark Liturgy: America's New Civic Religion. Remy Benoit
American Empire Project Ball Park Liturgy: America's New Civic Religion.
Carl Gibson: Pay Your Taxes, Murdoch. Remy Benoit
Are people just beginning to realize how much tax abuse, how many loopholes for corporations exist?
When will you speak up? If corporations did not have these loopholes, we, on social security, we in combat zones, would not be wondering if we were going to make it this month.
At RSN Pay Your Taxes, Murdoch.
Mr. Obama, who is being constantly blamed for this mess did not make it, although he is not standing up solidly enough for us, and has put Social Security and Medicare on that table which is bottom line unacceptable. The problem lies with the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy; from outsourcing business; from off shore accounts; and for greed that seems to know no boundaries, not even the welfare of the country.
Stand up and say no more: Contact Congress. Do it now.
While you have them on the phone, remind them of the Cost of Endless Wars.
From Jon Stewart This Congress is a Skunk With Its Head Stuck in a Jar of Peanut Butter.
Which Amazing Dem Asked the GOP This Million Dollar Question?
Government OF, BY, AND FOR THE CORPORATIONS. Remy Benoit
From Michele Swenson at Truthout America Held Hostage to Two Party Failure: Government of, by, and for the corporations.
Trickle down? Only thing that is trickling down is our lives into poverty while the corporations drain the country dry.
Bernie Sanders: The American People Are Angry. Remy Benoit
AT RSN The American People Are Angry.
Where did the national debt come from?. Remy Benoit
From the White House National Debt.
WHY DEMOCRACY IS PUBLIC: THE AMERICAN DREAM BEATS THE NIGHTMARE. Remy Benoit
BRAVO TO George Lakoff and Glen W. Smith at Truthout WHY DEMOCRACY IS PUBLIC: THE AMERICAN DREAM BEATS THE NIGHTMARE.
UPI: Clergy Arrested in Capitol Protest. Remy Benoit
At RSN Clergy Arrested in Capitol Budget Protest.
Robert Reich at RSN Don't Fall for the GOP Lie.
From Moshe Adler at Truthdig Without a Debt Deal, Obama Can Make the Rich Pay.
Troops Ask: Will We Get Paid. Remy Benoit
At MSNBC Troops ask amidst debt crisis: Will We Get Paid?
Reagan Economist: Bush Caused Current Deficit. Remy Benoit
At RSN Reagan Economist: Bush Caused Current Deficit.
Paul Krugman: The President Surrenders. Remy Benoit
From the NY Times The President Surrenders.
This is not the will of The People; it is not the rest of us who should carry the rich on our backs.
If corporations can claim to be people, then the most simple reasoning is, people pay taxes. This nation cannot be held hostage by a handful who have all and want more. That is not the American way.
It is certainly not what our soldiers are fighting for.
Andrew Dalton: Responses to Debt Deal Range From Angry to Angrier. Remy Benoit
From the AP at RSN Andrew Dalton: Responses to Debt Deal Range From Angry to Angrier.
From an International Perspective, also at RSN from Gary Younge, Guardian, UK Republicans have ceased to operate as a political party.
From Robert Reich at Truthout Ransom Paid.
This entire fiasco is embarrassing and detrimental to the entire country. How have we come to a place where a few men can hold the country hostage, ruin its economy because of personal greed?
And while we are on the subject of responsibility, who is taking real, up close and personal, responsibility for war: for the civilians whose lives are destroyed; for the soldiers whose lives, if they come home, are forever altered with injuries, PTSD, and like so many of the Viet Nam veterans I work with each day, with cancer, with Parkinsons, from Agent Orange? As a Congress, as a President, as one of The People, we seriously need to start talking and thinking, and doing something about, personal responsibility. Ask Mother Earth how she feels about bombs, about AO, about endless war that defiles her and her children. Each action has a reaction, and daily the latter reactions are not doing any one any good.
William Rivers Pitt: A President in Reverse. Remy Benoit
At Truthout A President in Reverse.
It is also a Congress in reverse: not protecting The People; protecting big money.
This entire situation did not need to be; in fact was made to be...who did it profit? I am assuming not you?
Clean out D.C. lobbyists for a start.
Dioxin cleanup in Viet Nam. Remy Benoit
From the AP at the Washington Times Viet Nam begins 1st phase of Agent Orange cleanup.
Have we ever thought that if we worked harder for peace, we might not have to clean up the horror that war leaves?
And exactly how do we "cleanup" the AO that is killing our Viet Nam veterans and the people of that country?
Carl Gibson: An American Uprising. Remy Benoit
At RSN An American Uprising.
U.S. UNCUT. Remy Benoit
If corporations want to be "people" then let them pay taxes like THE REAL AMERICAN PEOPLE.
If they paid taxes, we couldn't be held hostage to pay our troops, provide ALL needed services through the VA, provide Social Security, pay Medicare, support libraries and schools the way we have as part of our history; doing it together for the public welfare, not the private insatiable needs for more.
A new CCC, a new WPA to fix the declining infrastructure. Mr. Obama, we said, "Yes, we can."
WE CAN, can you? Go to THE PEOPLE, spare no reality of the truth from tax loopholes to war profiteering; to Wall Street thinking that they are our legislature; to our legislature being held hostage by a handful of members and dollars of lobbyists. Enough. No more bank usury; no more corporate tax dodging or outsourcing for tax loopholes.
The blood price has been paid for our country; we will not let it be sold out to some CEO's. That would shame us in the face of the history of those who gave, and are giving all. We will not be shamed; nor will we be forced into poverty and subservience.
Atomic Cover Up: Two U.S. Soldiers: Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Remy Benoit
At You Tube Atomic Cover Up.
Allison Kilkenny: The Koch Spider Web. Remy Benoit
At Truthout The Koch Spider Web.
Paula J. Caplan: When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home. Remy Benoit
When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home How All of Us Can Help Veterans.
Perhaps you can make a start learning how to listen, to not judge.
Women's Action for New Directions. Remy Benoit
WAND'S WORK ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
Sixty-Six years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the bombs are still around. It is all quite MAD.
HR 2757 Iraq Withdrawl Accountability Act of 211. Remy Benoit
Campaign for America's Future: ALEC In N'Awlins. Remy Benoit
RJ Eskow Wisconsin: Where Corn, American Springs, and Other Things Grow.
The spider web from Wisconsin is spreading to our Big Easy: more for them, less for you.
Say enough.
ALEC Security at Marriott Turns Violent Toward Think Progress Reporters Lee Fang and Scott Keyes at RSN: Confrontation With ALEC Security Turns Violent: Video. You have to wonder why reporters were not allowed in public space in the Big Easy. N'Awlins has its own rules, its own ways of life, which others might not understand, but this kind of action is not her way. In this case, what is happening at the conference is our business...all of ours.
IAVA Combat to Career. Remy Benoit
Please pass these unemployment rates our veterans are facing around. Combat to Career.
Stand with them for jobs, let the White House. know you do.
Grocery Stimulus Offer: Beware . Remy Benoit
Michael A. Cohen: The Dysfunction at the Very Heart of American Politics. Remy Benoit
This is the view from the Guardian, UK and it is a very pathetic one and one that we should change by our votes, by our research into the real truth of what is actually going on. This kind of government by hostage of military pay, Social Security, etc. is not what our soldiers are out there fighting and dying to protect and extend.
The Dysfunction at the Very Heart of American Politics. at RSN.
This Congress is not protecting the interests of THE PEOPLE, nor is it honoring all the blood price of our democracy. It is a self-interested group for the largest part and subject to lobbyists representing corporations. We should demand an end to lobbyists, open accounting of who is paying for what to buy elections.
That is just the beginning of investigating the truth of what is.
Think about what is, or, indeed, isn't on your supper table. Do you think it is the same as the table of the CEO's? Are they worried about paying the electric bill, the mortgate, the doctor bills?
Don't think so, so why are they showing zero interest in whether you can "make it"? Simple, they don't care if you do and that is not how this country should be run.
Do you know the meaning of Chutzpah? S&P Does!. Remy Benoit
From Paul Krugman at NY Times at RSN Credibility, Chutzpah and Debt.
These people are not part of the solution, but they are definitely part of the problem, big time!
A So Simple Message to Wall Street and S&P From One Grandmother. Remy Benoit
I cannot begin to grasp the amounts of money that you all deal with on a daily basis; the rest of us just keep trying to keep food on the table, and a roof over our heads, something that you do not seem to understand, nor even care about.
But the thing of it is, we are all Americans, and you seem to have forgotten that when our country is in trouble, well, what we do is pull together and do what must be done. You are not pulling your weight; you are not showing the kind of faith in this country that the rest of us, including the middle and lower classes that you seem bent on obliterating for the good of the few, so believe in.
So before you go messing with stock prices, and will this or that or whatever happen, remember that you are Americans too...not quite as brave, or faithful, or courageous as those you are complicit in putting in combat zones to protect your interests, but Americans too who have to show faith in us in your money dealings; show some courage and fortitude, and yes, show some "pay back" for all this country has given you by simply showing faith in her, and in the rest of us whose work each and everyday keeps you in homes, with food on your tables.
And while I am here, to S & P how dare you, how dare you give this country a lesser rating when you said all was fine with those so called legitimate mortgages and kept up the myth that allowing that, that going along with the idea that the rich don't have to pay their fair share, are one of the prime factors in the mess you all have made of a very rich country's economic situation.
So tonight, you all go home and ask yourself this simple question: Am I not an American too who should be helping her in her hour of need, as millions have done before me in blood price, or will I wake up one very cold, cold morning and have to face the face of "Christmases past" in my mirror...if, indeed, I still have a home with one.
Miz' Remy
Robert Reich: Slouching Toward a Double Dip. Remy Benoit
At RSN Slouching Toward a Double Dip.
And the thing is, YOU can stop it by writing, by e-mailing, by faxing, by calling the White House and the Congress and saying "Do the job you are supposed to do for ALL OF US, not just a handful."
The only economy that is trickling down is pain and distrust.
And there is, as William Rivers Pitt points out at Truthout The Wisconsin Solution.
Our Unsung Canine Heroes: War Dogs. Remy Benoit
Learn about these astonishingly brave war dogs and their service to our soldiers and our country.
War Dogs.
Bud the Cowboy. Remy Benoit
I do not know who wrote this, would love to give the person credit for it, but it is priceless, and so, so right on target: so, meet Bud the Cowboy who came to visit me in my e-mail.
A cowboy named Bud was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture in Montana when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced toward him out of a cloud of dust.
The driver, a young man in a Brioni® suit, Gucci® shoes, RayBan® sunglasses and YSL® tie, leaned out the window and asked the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?"
Bud looks at the man, who obviously is a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, why not?"
The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell® notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3® cell phone, and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo.
The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop® and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany ...
Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot® that the image has been processed and the data stored. He then accesses an MS-SQL® database through an ODBC connected Excel® spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry® and, after a few minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet® printer, turns to the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says Bud.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on with amusement as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then Bud says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"
The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"
"You're a Congressman for the U.S. Government", says Bud.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"
"No guessing required." answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You used millions of dollars worth of equipment trying to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about how working people make a living - or about cows, for that matter. This is a herd of sheep.
Now give me back my dog.
Carl Gibson: Austerity, the Wrong Prescription. Remy Benoit
Page 4, S&P "the majority of Republicans in Congress continue to resist any measure that would raise revenues, a position we believe Congress reinforced by passing the act."
So, because Republicans are holding the country hostage, major "austerity" will ruin our very rich country and our lives because the rich shouldn't pay taxes?
Are you losing your job; are your levees in bad conditon; your bridges falling apart?
When will we say enough? Has Wisconsin said enough? At CNN Wisconsin Recall Elections.
At RSN Austerity the Wrong Prescription.
Robert Reich: Mr. President We Need A Bold Jobs Plan. Remy Benoit
At RSN Mr. President We Need a Bold Jobs Plan.
A new CCC, a new WPA to rebuild the infrastructure of this country; to put people to work, to restore dignity to those who have tried so hard for work and constantly been turned away.
At a beach in St. Augustine where my folks live, they came across a young couple with placards tied to them: Will clean anything. This is not the American dream. Anyone old enough to remember this? Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
This country needs to say NO MORE, fairly distributed taxes, and demand too that those who caused this fiasco in such a rich country be held accountable.
Let's go Down History Lane and watch this, determining, like the folks in Wisconsin are doing, NO MORE. Street of Forgotten Men of the 1930's.
Troy Hooper: Al Gore 'Media Spin on Climate Change is Bullshit!'. Remy Benoit
From Real Aspen at RSN Al Gore: 'Media Spin on Climate Change is Bullshit."
The thing is, we know where the manure is coming from, lobbyists, and we just keep on keeping on allowing them to be growing and growing in influence and power, really negating your voice for corporations who don't pay their fair share of taxes.
We are baking here in Louisiana, needing rain.
Temps are high, storms are nasty across the country and yet Congress doesn't get it. Oh, that's right, they are on vacation while you are looking for work.
What is wrong with this ever growing mural being painted by lobbyists, recalcitrant Congressmen, and corporations capturing the progress of our destruction?
Step up President Obama and slam shut this nasty paint box.
GRASSROOTS CONTRACT: REBUILD THE AMERICAN DREAM. Remy Benoit
Join your country's real people, you know the ones with arms and legs and heads; the ones who laugh,cry, love, lose their jobs and homes-not the ones with outsourced factories and tax loops. Sign the Petition: Rebuild the American Dream.
Nieman Watchdog: The War Without End is a War With Hardly Any Media Coverage. Remy Benoit
The media has a role in democracy.
The media today is simply not filling that role.
It is glitz, glittering generalities, hype, hoax, horrid, and without responsibility to the soldiers, to the people.
News is NOT celebrity whatever. That is gossip.
In depth, investigative journalism is necessary.
We are not getting that, thus The War Without End is getting hardly any media coverage.
Interested in cutting war contractor costs? Tell Mr. Boehner. Remy Benoit
Do it now, this is the time to use your voice!
Kim Murphy: Soldier Comes Home to Find Real Enemy is Bank Taking His Home.. Remy Benoit
From Kim Murphy, LA Times at RSN Soldier Comes Home to Find Real Enemy is Bank Taking His Home.
So, how can we help? Write the LA Times; write to the Governor of Oregon. Use your voice, thousands are losing homes, thousands more will.
Amy Goodman: U.S. Navy Vet Sues Donald Rumsfeld for Torture in Iraq: Court Allows Case to Move Forward.. Remy Benoit
From Amy Goodman, Democray Now! at RSN U.S. Navy Vet Sues Donald Rumsfeld for Torture in Iraq: Court Allows Case to Move Forward.
Sam Stein & Elyse Siegel: Mitt Romney Heckled: Presidential Candidate Says 'Corporations are people, my friend.'. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Mitt Romney Heckled: Presidential Candidate Says 'Corporations are people, my friend.'
Well, gee, does he invite corporations to dinner; take them dancing; dine at their weddings; visit them in the hospital; cry at their wakes? Those are things real people do.
Louisiana Musings. Remy Benoit
We are joined by a voice from Louisiana today; that of a man who honorably served his country, and like so many of his brothers, found no Welcome Home from the green from his countymen. Nevertheless, like his brothers, he loves this country, shares the concerns with all of us for her well-being, and worries for the future of his children.
I agree with most of what he asks you below to consider, but I would go a step further and disallow any lobbyists at all.
I was made aware of a sociological/psychological study, called the Dunbar's Number. which states how many people one person can interact with successfully. Perhaps, considering the suggestion below, those dorms should be of mixed party members so they could learn to function together instead of holding each other, and us, hostage, to their particular ideologies and pork barrels.
We need to visit the Court's idea that corporations are people. By any definition I can muster, they simply do not qualify as The People.
We also need to visit that Court's idea that campaign contributions can be obscured. Elections should be limited to just a few weeks, and not be either subjecting us ad nauseum with their machinations, nor disallowing anyone without huge campaign donations, with all their strings attached, to be able to run.
The Senate became a “millionaires club” back in the 1890's; time for that to stop for both Houses.
We need a full investigation of war contractors, of war profiteering, the findings made public.
We need to think in terms of endless peace, rather than endless war.
We need, desperately need, to care for our Veterans.
We need to protect Medicare, Social Security, and strip Congress of its health insurance; theirs should be as the rest of us have.
So...let's have a national fay-dodo: we can dance, sing, eat the food nature is still giving us despite our neglect of her, and then get down to saving our country and the earth.
To make you look forward to that national gathering, a bit of Louisiana heritage with some music...an old, old Cajun tune, Jolie Blon.
And now...Louisiana Musings...
The class warfare began 31 years ago; the warred upon are just beginning to catch on, have been sidetracked by so much meaningless ideology—like states rights, guns, anything to keep the focus off the banksters and millionaires raping this country.
"Pay your fair share should be the battle cry.
When 1% owns 40% of the wealth, whatever that 40% equals, each 1% should put up, or have confiscated, his/her 1% share. I cannot believe working families, moms, dads, kids who are struggling have not voiced OUTRAGE over 200 million dollar plus bonuses for individuals.
No body, and I mean no body is worth that much. Huey Long said, a long time ago, before the banksters/big oil killed him, you don't need more that 10 million dollars! The same is true today, with adjustments for dollar values.
Following the recommendations below could help to put the Congress in order:
1. No floor privileges for anyone but current members.
2. Being in the Chamber for votes must be mandatory; unless absent with a doctors excuse, or a death certificate. Failure to be there is loss of pay for the month; 2d offense 1 year pay loss; any more expulsion.
3. No lobbyist within five miles of the Capitol/office buildings.
4. No lobbying buildings in the D.C. Area:. that means, NRA, API, insurance, banks, etc. etc have to move their headquarters out of the district.
5. Members cannot move to the tri-state area if they are not elected form VA, MD, DE or the D.C. District.
6. Buy/build a dorm for the members to come and live in to do THE PEOPLES' work. IT can be nice, family can come and visit on weekends/holidays. free travel back to home district when not in session. If barracks, or less, are good enough for those we send to war, they are good enough for those who send them to war.
7. Members should pay Social Security, medical coverage, retirement IRAs, etc., like all other CITIZENS, yes, like everyone else.
8. No retirement pay, service is a privilege, you asked for it.
9. House term limits: 10 years, 5 terms, Senate 12 years, 2 terms
10.Before they can be elected prospective members of Congress must sign a pledge to vote for, and actively support, Constitutional amendments for the above.
Take a class in the history of this Republic. The colonists did not object to taxes, they just wanted representation in what was taxed. They wanted taxation with representation, not no taxation for those that had while everone else carried them.
_____
In conclusion, and all are welcome to send their thoughts here to share with the rest of us.
This is a favorite of mine; a lovely country song—we are here, we have given our children life, indeed, our ancestors have given life to this country when all else said they would fail. We prevail; we will overcome all the current problems because we are not only a country rich in resources, we are a country rich is the wisdom, and the blood sacrifice of her PEOPLE.
For awhile, we areEarthbound let's leave a legacy all coming generations will thank us for.
Ever notice that American ends in I CAN!
From Thomas Jefferson, known as the Man of the People:
Join us, sign the petition to Rebuild the American Dream Rebuild the Dream.
Blessings,
Miz' Remy
If you have PTSD and a poem or story to share..... Remy Benoit
Please join us for a very special international project to make people understand what it is to live with PTSD and to help veterans in the UK who suffer with it.
Just go to Comments to contact me. Thank you!
Warren E. Buffett: Tax the Rich. Remy Benoit
At RSN from NY Times Tax the Rich.
It is about time someone explaines how some of us are not carrying anywhere near our fair share.
Robert Reich: Medicare for All Trumps Mandate. Remy Benoit
At RSN Medicare for All Trumps Mandate.
Jim Hightower: Illegal Foreclosure Epidemic. Remy Benoit
At RSN a good question: why aren't bankers who are violating federal law not being prosecuted?
And tell your bank not to foreclose on veterans!
Nancy A. Youssef: True Cost of U.S. Wars Unknown. Remy Benoit
From Nancy A. Youssef, McClatchy, at RSN True Cost of U.S. Wars Unknown.
We tend to think of war costs in terms of dollars. What we don't consider is what the cost is in terms of soldiers' lives, health, mental and spiritual condition; nor of the costs to their families. We are a national family; we need to start thinking that way and take care of each other. Feeding each other, here and abroad, is a lot less costly than war.
Robert Reich: How Austerity is Ushering in a Global Recession. Remy Benoit
At RSN How Austerity is Ushering in a Global Recession.
We need infra-structure...we need jobs...CCC/WPA
we know it works, we are still driving on bridges that they built!
Harold Oliver: Food Independence on a 1930's Farm. Remy Benoit
At Mother Earth News Food Independence on a 1930's Farm.
Today we stopped for a very few things at the store...the bill was $45+change. All of us who live in non-Congressional reality are faced with ever rising costs, loss of jobs and income, and for too many, homes.
You have a place here to help each other with recipes, ideas, opinions, etc. Feel free to use it. Any money saving, faith saving, veteran caring ideas are welcome.
All are welcome to join in the pro bono project to help vets in the UK get care for PTSD
while spreading the word internationally about how trauma victims need care. Trauma.
Your donations help pay the server and electric bills around here to help keep me able to work daily with our veterans. Thank you. Just click on donate.
And don't forget, if you have a book you are writing, need help editing, proofing, publishing, visit with me at Your Words, Your Way.
I can also help you with book reviews if you need them to help sell the book you have already written and published.
Tell your government what you want!. Remy Benoit
Stand with Warren Buffett and tell the rich to Pay Your Fair Share.
GO IAVA!. Remy Benoit
Join the IAVA on the front cover of Time Magazine The Face of the Newest Greatest Generation.
A New WPA and CCC. Remy Benoit
I have been saying this for years...we need to rebuild our infra-structure and we need jobs. Just that simple.
Carl Gibson U.S. UNCUT at RSN America Is Crumbling: Hire Us to Fix It.
Hal Bernton: Army Faces Upsurge in Suicides. Remy Benoit
From Hal Bernton, Seattle Times, at RSN Army Faces Upsurge in Suicides.
Help us help veterans and others impacted by trauma to tell their stories and help save lives. Join us Trauma and a special international pro bono project. I am getting submissions from all over the world and I am waiting for yours!
Chris Millelr: Soldiers and Suicide. Remy Benoit
At the Guardian, UK Soldiers and Suicide.
Help us help you. Join us in this international, pro bono effort. Trauma.
What If They Were Your Children?. Remy Benoit
What if the wars took your children?
When we send people to war, we send part of our national family. Yet there seems to be a huge disconnect in understanding from those whose children are at home; building with blocks, or already building individual lives.
Parents of soldiers, families of soldiers, stay awake at night in tension, at prayer. They face empty chairs and places at breakfast, at lunch, at supper, during holidays. The children of those soldiers wait for mommy, wait for daddy, dread a knock on the door. They often grow up without a mommy or daddy.
We need as a nation to walk with, stay with, support families of those in the service; we need to support Gold Star families emotionally.
To learn about what those Gold Stars really mean,
join William Koch Jr. Casualties of War: Words and Images from the Heart of a Gold Star Father.
Suzanne Goldenberg: Massive Protest at White House Against Alberta Tar Sands Pipeline. Remy Benoit
From the Guardian, UK Massive Protest.
No more fear; no more secret police.. Remy Benoit
From Suliman Ali Zway, Hannah Allam and Shashank Bengali, McClatchy Newspapers Hunt on for Gadhafi as rebels surge into Tripoli; sons seized.
This is a reminder that democracy does not come easily, and must be protected by its citizens.
Have you tried to get a loan lately?. Remy Benoit
Well, maybe the rest of us just live on the wrong street. At RSN Bradley Keoun and Phil Kuntz, Bloomberg Wall Street Arustocracy Secretly Got $1.2 Trillion from Fed.
Brad Williams:. Remy Benoit
At RSN Brad Williams: Elite 9/11 Responders Still Suffering "WTC Cough."
These people gave so much, just like our soldiers do. We need to be there for all of them, making sure they get the help they need.
All first responders are invited to join us in this pro bono international effort to build PTSD awareness world wide and to directly benefit veterans in the UK whose suicide rates, like those of our own soldiers, continue to climb.
Trauma.
Is this what you want done in your name..... Remy Benoit
so that a few years later we can sacrifice our young to undo it?
At RSN Ali Gharib, Think Progress McCain Pledged to Help Qaddafi Secure Military Hardware.
Along with Graham and Lieberman
Do you really want to support anyone like Qaddafi?
Toxic Can Be Spelled in Many Different Ways. Remy Benoit
Each day I work with veterans riddled with cancers and Parkinsons. In this case toxic is spelled Agent Orange and other chemicals.
This is another way to spell toxic. At RSN Robert Greenwald Do the Koch Brothers Want a Toxic Disaster?
Yet another way to spell toxic is mortgage abuse.
At RSN from Andrew Longstreth, Reuters NY Attorney General Kicked Off Mortgage Abuse Committee.
Personally, I am a long time fan of Morgan Freeman and he is so right in his advice, not only to the President, but to all of us who have had enough of those who cause problems, and yet, leave the rest of us to pay for them with cancers, death, endless wars, loss of homes and jobs, oil spills, etc. From Glenn Thrush at Politico Freeman Tells Obama: Get Pissed Off.
And while you are doing that, consider signing this petition, almost 300,000 of your countrymen have! Contract to Rebuild the American Dream.
There are so many of us who suffer from trauma. Many have lost homes, jobs; are suffering so just a few miles south of me from the oil spill. Many of you have lost family members to the wars; have family members coming home from facing the horrors of war; have family members coming home from war with terrible injuries. Some of you have known abuse; many of you have suffered from random acts of violence. We need your stories. Join us at Trauma. and help make the world understand that PTSD is a normal reaction to horrific events.
Paula Caplan When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans.
William Koch Jr: Casualties of War.
Ann Jones: War is Not Over When It's Over: Women Speak Out from the Ruins of War.
If this isn't the world you want, follow Mr. Freeman's advice and do something about it in a pro-active peaceful, but determined way. Choose the wrong that you feel strongly needs action and get to it.
Your donations help me to keep my computers running, to be here each and everyday for our veterans. Thank you so much.
We have the world we make: seems we have a great deal of remodeling to do. "If not now, when?"
Matt Taibibi: Dirty Bank Deal. Remy Benoit
Rolling Stone at RSN Obama Goes All Out With Dirty Bank Deal.
This sets a terrible precedent and says it is okay to do wrong to the public to fill your own coffers.
The rest of us have to obey and respect the law.
Robert Reich: March in Protest on Labor Day. Remy Benoit
At RSN March in Protest on Labor Day.
CEO personal profits are way up; the endless wars continue, draining our youth, draining our resources. The VA still is not properly caring for the veterans we have. Every time I go to the market, food prices are up.
We need a new CCC, a new WPA to rebuild the infra-structure of this country. We need to care for the planet.
We need to prosecute those who caused this economic mess and we need to understand that this is a rich country, we are not broke, the financial mechanism is broken and needs to be fixed. And that means we face head on what is wrong with it and deal with those who made it that way. End the lobbyists who are making profits without regard to your well-being.
We need to give active support to our soldiers and veterans; we need to demand that mortgages not be foreclosed on soldiers on active duty. We need to provide more than just adequate care for PTSD. Violence does not stop when soldiers come home, they need help.
We need to wake up as a country.
Help Heal the Country: Stand With the Nurses!. Remy Benoit
From Donna Smith at Common Dreams This Un-Labor Day: Disasters Natural and 'Un'.
Carl Gibson: GOP'S Debt Solution: Soak the Poor. Remy Benoit
At RSN GOP Debt Solution: Soak the Poor.
When will we say ENOUGH to sheltering the rich?
Labor Day is almost here: use it to make your voice heard. JOBS, PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE, END ENDLESS WAR, CARE FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND VETERANS, LEAVE MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALONE, AND DEMAND THE UNION LABEL. TAX THOSE WHO EXPORT OUR BUSINESS FOR SLAVE WAGES ABROAD. REBUILD THE INFRA-STRUCTURE OF THIS COUNTRY. ACT LIKE AMERICANS!
FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE PATH OF IRENE, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT IN THE PATH OF IRENE, DEMAND IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THOSE IN HER PATH. WE CAN DO A WHOLE LOT BETTER THAN WE DID DOWN HERE FOR POST-KATRINA HELP.
Bruce E. Levine: 3 Things That Must Be Done..... Remy Benoit
At AlterNet 3 Things That Must Happen for Us to Rise Up and Defeat Corporatocracy.
Reading the comments, it is interesting to see how quickly folks come to argue about religion, etc.
The real issue is, real people, real democracy.
When was the last time you saw a corporation, a so-called "person", cry over the loss of a job, or a home, or both?
We don't need candidates who want to take us back to 1900; we want candidates who actually speak for the people, not the corporations. We need candidates who will stand up and say, 'This is what is happening; these are the people with agendas to keep you down; to destroy the future for you and your children to line their own coffers.
Yet another time we just must say no to certain people, and those are the ones who are not living in sync with the very substance of what this country is about. When the U.S. was founded, critics said she would fail; she hasn't, unless today, this very day, we say NO to bought elections, to lobbyists, to Congressional pensions, Congressional health plans, Congressional unending terms, and corporte "personhood".
We must seek truth, we must demand truth from our journalists. We must build community funded co-ops; we must, indeed, grow Victory Gardens, even if they are on high rise balconies. Make this year's fashion statement by wearing last year's clothes, by driving last year's car. If corporations want to really function as American firms then they must concern themselves with the good of all of us. JUST SAY NO MORE LIES. We need a new CCC, a new WPA to rebuild our infra-structure, to create jobs that will benefit all. When was the last time you heard a corporation, even one making millions on wars, express any concern for our veterans?
This Labor Day let the voice of labor be heard across the nation. Send faxes, send e-mails to the White House and the Congress. Let them know your constructive thoughts. We are American and we can work through this together peacefully and constructively for the good of all.
Your contributions help keep my work with veterans going. Thank you so much.
Paul Krugman: Republicans Against Science. Remy Benoit
NY Times at RSN Republicans Against Science.
Is any dollar worth more than the planet; worth more than reality for billions of people?
What would it be like if there were no campaign promies, slip sliding positions: just truth? Imagine that!
Trillions in Secret Bailouts?. Remy Benoit
From Matthew Cardinale, IPS, at RSN First Federal Reserve Audit Reveals Trillions in Secret Bailouts.
We are at a turning point. How we conduct ourselves from this very moment will determine our future, that of our children, that of our grandchildren, and theirs.
If what is happening is not to your taste, this is where you Contact White House. This is where you Contact Congress.
And ask yourself, if all these banks are getting bailouts, loans, why are these banks charging you such high percentages for credit cards, and why are they allowed to do that?
Disaster Funding is a Disaster. Remy Benoit
From Judd Legum, Think Progress, at Truthout Eric Cantor Won't Support Hurricane Disaster Funding Without Massive Cuts to First Responders.
What is that does not make sense, or responsible action? Why are we paying for Congressional pensions and health care? Lots of money there to help pay for things.
Remember. Sgt. Christopher Gaynor
REMEMBER
If there is a better group of reenactors than Belgian based REMEMBER, I have yet to see it. Gregory Mortara and his comrades do meticulous research enriching each reenactment as both art and living history. Documented beautifully in still photos and video the images are often startling in their authentic feel. I even found one that at first I thought was a lost picture of my best buddy in Viet Nam, but instead of 1967 the picture is from 2011.
Events from all wars are recreated and some of the most dramatic scenes are from WWII. I am fooled every time by these incredible pictures. Am I looking at beautifully preserved 65 year old shots or were these taken at a recent reenactment? They are that good! Why would a bunch of young Belgians be so drawn to the history of the U.S. and especially its military involvements. Well, these are not casual hobbyists or video game junkies, these are serious and sincere men who have great respect for the US and especially her warriors. Imagine? Not an attitude you’ll find in very many places in the world these days. So, gentlemen (and Sarah), I salute you and offer you my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. After 43 years it is a fine thing for a veteran of the Viet Nam war like me to be recognized and honored. And I am sure that all those who have served and are currently serving in all conflicts would feel the same. REMEMBER will have a website in the future but for now go to their Facebook page. Remember.
Sgt. Christopher Gaynor
Deb Riechmann August Is US' Deadliest in Long Afghan War. Remy Benoit
From the AP at RSN August Is US' Deadliest in Long Afghan War.
Another dose of non-reality: when blueberries are not blueberries. Remy Benoit
Interesting Natural News.
Bad mortgages, endless wars, PTSD, joblessness, natural disasters, and fake blueberries too. Is this who we are now? Is this where we want to be?
Join us for the international pro bono project and let the world know what trauma has impacted on you: even despair and depression that nothing is as it should be no matter how hard you work personally. Trauma.
Katrina vanden Heuvel: Executive Pay and the Great Tax Dodge. Remy Benoit
At The Nation Executive Pay and the Great Tax Dodge.
Madeline Ostrander at Common Dreams Asking for What Obama Promised.
Robert Naiman at Truthout It's Time to Take Sides: Why I am Protesting the Tar Sands Pipeline.
At RSN by Stephen Eric Bronner The Arrogance of Power.
Truth Commission on Conscience in War. Remy Benoit
Video Testimony of Camillo "Mac" Bica.
Ari Berman: The GOP War on Voting. Remy Benoit
At Rolling Stone The GOP War on Voting.
And why should Karl Rove have so much power in regards to raising funds for candidates? Why should the Koch Brothers? Any of them helping you find a job? keep a soldier's mortgage paid? fund PTSD help? fix levees? build roads or bridges or clean up cities and towns after natural disasters?
We need Dollar a Year People in Congress, without pensions, without health care. We need to end lobbying and clandestine election money funnelling into candidates of any party.
We need to clean up elections so that Mr. or Ms. Public can run for office without millions of dollars and months and months of electioneering when they should be working for us, not for themselves.
The GOP Bully in the Schoolyard. Remy Benoit
Every school had one, or maybe more. They took your lunch money, they beat you up, they made the walk back and forth to school filled with terror.
They are at it again, using the entire nation as their schoolyard, taking that which belongs to all of us.
Tax the rich; enforce climate friendly laws; protect the EPA; Medicare and Social Security are NOT entitlements, they are an agreement between us and our government and we have paid for them.
Demand jobs, demand a CCC and a WPA to help with recovery efforts all over the country. It is pouring outside my window now; it remains to be seen how much rain New Orleans and the rest of us will get, what damage will be done.
Our veterans are committing suicide in huge numbers. That is not acceptable.
Will your levees, bridges, dams hold or do they need work? We do not need the Tar Pipeline, we have enough trouble. We do not need endless war taking the lives of our people and theirs. We do not need a hand full of people holding the nation hostage.
WE DO NEED TO STAND BEHIND THE PRESIDENT AND LET THOSE WHO HAVE MUCH TOO MUCH AND WANT MORE THAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT THAT. We need to look at bad decisions made before this man was in the White House and stop blaming him for the mess he inherited. We need to prosecute those responsible.
We need to end endless wars.
We need to stop buying into big money backed propaganda that is telling us losing our jobs, letting them not pay taxes, having unnecessary foreclosures are good things. We need to wake up and get a grip on reality. I for one do not want to live in 1900 without unions, without restrictions on big business that gives you no job, or pays such low wages that you cannot eat and keep a roof over your head, and then turns around and builds a library claiming to be oh so charitable. That was the reality of the Robber Barons then, and it is today too.
Wake up!
Join Mike Lofgren at Truthout who spells it all out for you. Good-bye to All That: Reflections of a GOP Operative Who Left the Cult. Adam Weistein: The All-Time Ten Worst Military Contracting Boondoogle.. Remy Benoit
At Mother Jones The All-Time Ten Worst Military Contracting Boondoogle.
Cancer and 9/11 Responders-Sorry Not Covered. Remy Benoit
From Abby Zimmet at Common Dreams Toxic Soup Takes Its Toll on 9/11 Responders.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH US THAT WE CANNOT SEE THAT THIS KIND OF THING, THE INADEQUACIES OF THE VA, THE JOBLESSNESS, THE LACK OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE, THE ENDLESS WARS ARE NOT about how much money Wall Street is Making, or that the President is not a member of John Boehner's golf club, nor can any of us lowly women be Andy Kroll, Mother Jones: John Boehner Burning Tree Lobby..
They are about how THE PEOPLE are in need of jobs and need to stand up and demand them.
They are about our Veterans, our soldiers on active duty with PTSD Beyond PTSD Soldiers Have Injured Souls. and how THE PEOPLE need to stand up for them.
THEY ARE ALL ABOUT NOT BUYING INTO CORPORATE PROPAGANDA AND TAKING THE TIME TO FIND THE TRUTH.
ASK WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE TAR LINE, AND WHO WILL SUFFER THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES. It is about the fact that a few more years of smog, of ignoring what it obvious planet wise, just are not really smart. Again, who benefits?
Amy Dean: Taking Labor Day Back. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Taking Labor Day Back.
Isn't it about time that we have told Congress and the President JOBS NOW! Corporations do not eat, love, get sick, die. WE ARE THE PEOPLE not the handful of robber barons who are eating our economy.
Also at Truthout Michael Winship Eric Cantor: Mean, Ornery, and Just Plain Wrong.
Bill Ehrhart: Ken and Bill's Excellent Adventure. Remy Benoit
Viet Nam, many years ago, two young men who served together for ten months, separated by injuries and an evac for one for serious injury due to a rocket launch.
This is a journey to Japan and to Viet Nam that you don't want to miss. The photos are wonderful; the reunion beautiful beyond words. So, travel along with Ken and Bill's Excellent Adventure.
Al Gore: Not Legally Defensible. Remy Benoit
At RSN Not Legally Defensible.
Just one of so many things that are not legally, or morally, defensible.
From Lesley Clark, McClatchy News at Truthout Obama to Congress: Pass My 447 Billion Jobs Plan. If those responsible for this economic mess were held accountable, we would come a long way to building confidence. Their actions were, and, indeed, are not legally defensible. Perhaps if they didn't have jobs, the rest of us would.
Willie Nelson: This Land is Our Land. Remy Benoit
At RSN This Land is Our Land.
AP: Afghanistan: Truck Bomb Wounds Scores of US Soldiers. Remy Benoit
At RSN Afghanistan: Truck Bomb Wounds Scores of US Soldiers.
Nina Chestney: Al Gore in 24 Hour Broadcast to Convert Climate Skeptics. Remy Benoit
At RSN Nina Chestney, Reuters Al Gore in 24 Hour Broadcast to Convert Climate Skeptics.
George Packer: Coming Apart. Remy Benoit
From The New Yorker Coming Apart.
Gavin Aronsen: Fallout From Chris Christie-Koch Brothers Exposé. Remy Benoit
Fallout From Chris Christie-Koch Brothers Exposé. At Mother Jones
Elections should be publically financed; not financed by those who have more than the rest of us put together. Unions were hard won with blood, just like freedom and need to be protected. We need to see Made in the USA. We need to wake up.
William Rivers Pitt at Truthout The Cult of Death.
On Youtube Let the Uninsured Die. Yes, we are supposed to be responsible, but I know what health insurance costs, what major hospital bills are; what is charged, and what is actually allowed. Perhaps we need to start with medical and pharmaceutical costs and once they are under control, THEN we revamp rational charges for health insurance. Who cheers to let someone die for a bad decision?
Physicians for a National Health Care Program at Common Dreams Highest Rate of Uninsured Since Passage of Medicare, Medicaid.
From Abby Zimet at Common Dreams Texans Have No Food, Health Care, or Services, But a Few Guys Are Doing Swell.
Senator Bernie Sanders: Is Poverty a Death Sentence?. Remy Benoit
Each day the vast majority of us find it a bit harder to make the money match the month. Each day more of us sink into despair for lack of a job while CEO's rake in millions and the Koch brothers want to wage the 'mother of all' presidential campaigns to rake in more money and use it to support their ideas of what our country should be.
Now we hear cheers to let him die. We really need to ask ourselves who we are becoming, and whose agenda we are buying into as it is certainly not one for the support of the American Dream. Indeed, we are living an American Nightmare in a country that is vastly rich in resources, and even more rich in her get to it and do it people.
Senator Sanders at RSN Is Poverty a Death Sentence?"
Do you need help writing, editing, publishing your book?. Remy Benoit
If you do, you are definitely in the right place.
I can help you with all of it AND IF YOU ARE A VETERAN ALL FEES ARE CUT IN HALF TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
My editing motto is: Your Words Your Way.
So, let's talk! Remy Benoit Writing.
It is definitely a can do to get your words published and out there for the world to share.
Peace,
Remy
Robert Reich: Perry Plan; Low Wages Texas Style. Remy Benoit
At RSN Perry Plan: Low Wages Texas Style.
If Texas is doing so well, then perhaps Mr. Perry should stay there. We are still suffering from the work of that other Texan and don't need more corporate favors while the rest of the country needs work.
This kind of thinking, this kind of government, is not what our children, husbands, wives are out there in combat zones for. Demos means of the people, and with all due respect to the Court, most of the rest of us believe that people love, laugh, cry, die. Corporations do not do that. Thus, they simply are not people. Soldiers, civilians, are all open to post-traumatic stress that impacts the rest of their lives. When was the last time you heard about a corporation suffering flashbacks and horrific nightmares?
Your donations help keep my work with veterans going. Thank you so much.
Tar Sands Action Goes Nationwide. Remy Benoit
Tar Sands Action Goes Nationwide.
For the sake of our children and our environment, please speak out now.
Tom Bowman: For A Marine Hero, A Medal of Honor. Remy Benoit
At NPR For a Marine Hero, A Medal of Honor.
Streaming Live Occupation of Wall Street. Remy Benoit
At Truthout Occupy Wall Street.
Mr. Boehner: let the rich PAY THEIR SHARE; NO CUTS TO MEDICARE; MEDICAID; OR SOCIAL SECURITY.
The Voice of the People is making that clear. You need to hear, as does the President.
What are you paying our troops while billions are made by war profiteers? Your tea bag is soggy, and its cup is empty. When was the last time any of Congress had to wait for an appt at the VA; or be told that they were mentally ill because they had post-traumatic stress?
Congress is no different than the rest of us, nor are the Koch brothers. We are all Americans and our country is not for sale to the highest bidders for elections.
At RSN Take the Bull By the Horns. Protests planned world-wide financial centers. PEOPLE NOT PROFITS!
Robert Reich at RSN Don't Be Silenced.
NY Times: Runaway Spending on War Contrators. Remy Benoit
At RSN Runaway Spending on War Contractors.
Robert Reich: A Good Fight. Remy Benoit
At RSN A Good Fight.
And while we are at it, can we find some money to really upgrade veteran care; including care for post-traumatic stress?
The Best Answer to "Let him die". Remy Benoit
At Move On The Best Answer to "Let him die."
Either we have a free media or we don't...so what is your take on this?. Remy Benoit
At RSN, Will Bunch Big Media Blacks-Out Wall Street Protests.
Occupied Wall Street Continues. Remy Benoit
At RSN Day Five.
Will Your Reps and Senators Sign the Contract?. Remy Benoit
WOW! Still Made In America!. Remy Benoit
If you haven't been looking for a website like this, then you should have been! Thanks, Lou for passing it along to us!
When was the last time you checked the label?
Maybe you should do that more often?
Maybe you should tell Mr. Boehner JOBS NOW! JOBS HERE with union wages, union protection and safety standards. A lot of blood was shed to get union rights. Do we really want to go back to a time to see children chained to factory machines?
If you have forgotten about the revulsion of the industrial revolution, then go take a peak at Jacob Riis: How the Other Half Lives. If we don't do something, and do it and demand it now, it will be how the other 98% live.
Occupy Wall Street Saturday: Mass Arrests and Pepper Spray. Remy Benoit
At RSN Scott Galindez Occupy Wall Street: Take the Bull By the Horns.
William Rivers Pitt Class Warfare My Ass.
Your Words Your Way. Remy Benoit
If you are writing a book, or if you really want to write one and have no idea where to start, please join me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way. If you are a Veteran, my special rate applies to you! War and Peace started with a single word; so will your book. It is important that we preserve our history for future generations—writing your book, telling your story will enhance their lives. So...Once upon a time.... Go ahead, finish the sentence and my guess is there will be lots of sentences to follow. You are on your way. I can help you, so please, visit with me at Gentle Editing: Your Words, Your Way.
Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn. Remy Benoit
Tony served in the Falklands War and is my partner in the international, Pro bono book we will be publishing soon about the realities of post-traumatic stress. Join him for this interview on British Forces Radio Tony McNally: Watching Men Burn.
Paul Chappell: Is World Peace Possible?. Remy Benoit
West Point Graduate, Former Army Captain Paul Chappell has a very important message for you about peace. At You Tube Is World Peace Possible?
These are ideas you don't want to miss. Also join Paul for The End of War: How waging peace can save humanity, our planet and our future. and Will War Ever End?: A Soldier's Vision of Peace for the 21st Century.
The Human Cost of a Global Crisis. Remy Benoit
From the Guardian, UK The Human Cost of a Global Crisis. at Common Dreams.
From Roger Bybee, In These Times, also at Common Dreams Rep. Paul Ryan's Class War.
From Jo Harrington, Suite 101, at RSN Occupy Wall Streee Michael Moore in Liberty Plaza.
PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE! Both parties need to get the message...enough is enough.
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS CRISIS MADE BY THOSE WHO HAVE MORE THAN ANYONE ANYWHERE NEEDS.
Why do the Koch Brothers Want to End Public Education? Where is one person, one vote in here? How many billions do you have to influence public education, election returns? Enough!
Where is media responsibility?. Remy Benoit
Is the major media so caught up with gossip, with the inane, the politically correct according to the corporate view that they cannot report what The People are doing, saying, e-mailing, faxing to those who seem to be deaf?
Wall Street does not belong to moneychangers. It belongs to the world; a world which is telling it to make rational decisions; to live and function in a manner that benefits all, not just a few with silk lined pockets—to live and work with morals; with compassion; with thoughts of the welfare of future generations. Perhaps in their bricks, stones, glass they cannot feel their connection with the planet, with the earth that supports them; with the trees that help them breathe.
They must be shown by public action how to function as citizens not only of the States, but of the world which grows smaller each day.
We don't need glib smart aleck jibs at protesters who have been on Wall Street for days now; we need good journalism; we need real investigative reporting, or have those in the main media forgotten how to do that choking under corporate yokes?
What if all the anchors, what if all the reporters decided to unchain themselves from corporate formulas for news? What if we had a week, a month, a year of real truth in reporting from the major media?
What if we had some reporters who stood up and said "I work in the tradition of Edward R. Murrow, of Ernie Pyle, of Joe Galloway and I will uphold that tradition in the face of combat, in the face of corporate stone walling."
What if we interviewed thousands without jobs; thousands with foreclosed homes?
What if we showed our young coming home in wheelchairs, with brain damage, dripping with post-traumatic stress which is a NATURAL REACTION TO HORRIFIC EXPERIENCES, NOT MENTAL ILLNESS?
What if we saw each day the collateral damage of war?
What if everyday profits, civilian and war, of corporations were listed on front pages?
What if we demanded the end of tea bags soaked in the fungus of blatant lies?
What if we said no to usurious interest rates?
What if we stood up and said, "We are The People, and we demand real action; real accountability?
What if we showed the world the American Dream is ours, not to be bought, not to be sold on Wall Street?
What if we acted with some thought; what if we acted with some backbone instead of being dragged down into poverty, our lives bought and sold by those with an agenda to line their own pockets and the rest of us be damned.
It is time for corporations to give thanks for the opportunities here and give back by paying their fair share of taxes.
It is time to put more effort into peace than into war.
It is time to take care of not only our veterans, but all of us, for all of us is what makes this country great.
We are not poor; there is simply a paucity of thinking, of action, of backbone to stand up for what you have worked for, and paid taxes on. If Congress won't do it, it is time for them to join the jobless.
What voices are taking a stand?. Remy Benoit
At Reader Supported News Take the Bull By the Horns and Much More.
Michael Moore and more! Listen up! Thanks Reader Supported News for continual coverage!
Join Six Bipartisan Colleagues Calling for Common Sense Defense Spending Reforms from the “Supercommittee”. Remy Benoit
Join Six Bipartisan Colleagues Calling for Common Sense Defense Spending Reforms from the “Supercommittee”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) initiated this letter to the Super Committee that has bipartisan support (co-signers listed below. The letter calls for common sense defense spending reforms. Here is her note to other Members of Congress urging them to sign on to the letter. (The text of the letter to Supercommittee follows below.)
As the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or the ‘Supercommittee’ seeks out savings and works to end wasteful spending throughout the federal budget, it is critical that all federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, are subject to the same level of scrutiny and consideration. Significant savings can be realized without compromising our national security.
One of the main drivers of our deficit is military spending and it must be on the table for the committee to consider as they seek to reduce our deficit.
Please join six bipartisan colleagues in calling for the Supercommittee to consider savings opportunities throughout our defense spending.
Please note that the letter specifically rejects any cuts that would compromise the security of American troops in the field, as well as any cuts in services and increases in fees for our veterans and military retirees.
If you are interested in signing on or have any questions about the letter, please contact Teddy Miller in Congresswoman Lee’s office (teddy.miller@mail.house.gov); or Christopher Bognanno in Rep. Campbell’s office (christopher.bagnanno@mail.house.gov).
Sincerely
Barbara Lee (D-CA-09) John Campbell (R-CA-48)
Barney Frank (D-MA-04) Ron Paul (R-TX-14)
Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) Rush Holt (D-NJ-12)
Robert Naiman: On October 6, Let's Make a National Clamor for Peace. Remy Benoit
A call for a national day of demands for peace and an end to endless war. This is what the wars are costing you $ wise".
This what the wars are costing our soldiers.
CNN Casualties.
Much of the nation is beginning to find its voice in the face of the blatant avarice of the few, concerned with their good, not the good of the many. Those on the front lines in combat zones, on hot LZs, driving around IEDs, are busy trying to stay alive, as so many of you visiting here know all too well. THEY especially need our voice to help stay alive, to help them get the care they need if they make it home. How long can we expect anyone to serve without a definite exit plan is sight? We must work harder for peace than we do for war. We must make it clear that these soldiers are our blood, our future and we must watch over them with hard, hard work for peace. Where ever you are, do something on October 6 that says peace is better than war; that compassion and cooperation are more productive than destruction. Tell those soldiers who you once wrapped up in baby blankets, strapped into car seats, stayed up late at night waiting for when they first started driving, that you still care, that they DID NOT magically overnight become casualties to be readily accepted.
From You Tube Dirty F#%^@ing Hippies Were Right.
At Common Dreams Unions Head to Wall Street.
WORK FOR PEACE—WORK FOR THEM.
"Bring it on?". Remy Benoit
George Bush made these words infamous, at the cost of so many lives.
"They" say "we" are persecuting them, actually asking, no demanding, that "they" pay their fair share: that "they" open factories here; that "they" stop trying to deconstruct unions; that "they" not pay slave wages abroad. Indeed, that "they" stop making the President look like he caused this mess, when "they" did.
So at Truthdig, at RSN, Robert Reich says Class Warfare? Bring it On!. It is their appellation, this 'class warfare' term. Be careful what you wish for, but know that the tax holiday is over; that buying elections is over; that corporations are not people. It is First and Ten and The People have picked up the ball.
Chris hedges: Are you a rebel or a slave?. Remy Benoit
There comes a time in life when we have to ask ourselves who, what, and where we are. As a nation we have built, although with great pain and suffering for many, we have built something very precious: freedom.
You can enjoy freedom if you are indentured to mortgages, jobs that are provided not to help you, but to further the profits of others. So it has been for generation after generation. Today we are at a turning point. Will we give to non-people, corporations, personhood to be used in abusive ways against the rest of us? Or will we say, in calm and constructive ways, with respect to our Founding Mothers and Father, we support your vision. Our soldiers are abroad fighting to give others democracy. At home its protection is in our hands.
From Chris Hedges, Truthdig, at RSN Are you a rebel or a slave?
Labor Rolls Into Wall Street Protest. Remy Benoit
From Michelle Chen, In These Times at Common Dreams Labor Movement Rolls Into Wall Street Occupation.
Where are the parents of children whose educations are at risk?
Where are the loved ones of soldiers who need medical, spiritual, heart care when they come home?
Where are those who say enough of endless war?
Where are the teachers, the firemen, the 9/11 responders who need attention for health care?
Where are those without health care?
Where are the rest of you without jobs, with foreclosed homes?
Oh, please, are we to pay for using debit cards now? Isn't low % on accounts and usurious interest on credit cards enough? From Tara Siegel Bernard and Ben Protess, The New York Times at RSN Banks to Make Customers Pay Fee for Using Debit Cards. Don't they get it? Again, it is First in Ten, and The People have the ball!
Robert Reich: The Moral Question. Remy Benoit
At RSN The Moral Question.
Is it so hard to understand that everyone has the right to be able to find a job, to work, to put food on the table, go to the doctor, keep a roof over the heads of their family?
Are we so accustomed to famine abroad that we can't see it here?
Are we so accepting of war that we cannot even dream that peace is possible?
Are we so busy watching rude sitcoms that we don't understand basic courtesy?
Are we so accustomed to feel good news, or what creep is a serial killer that we don't want to know what is really happening?
What is really happening is that we need jobs; that people abroad and here are hungry; that our soldiers are being blown to bits, suffering brain and spinal injuries, horrid post-traumatic stress and that BILLIONS are going into endless war?
No one needs a half a dozen or more houses when you are the one with the bank foreclosing on yours because of dubious practices. We may aspire to be rich, but it is daily life that needs ends to meet, that needs enough money for the month, and gee, a rainy day when the car goes, or the plumbing backs up, or a natural disaster comes and eats it all.
One nation, Under God, with Liberty and Justice for All. It that so hard to understand, or do these people who want all the money not understand E Pluribus Unum either? If this economic crisis was a bad novel, how would you write the end to spell justice? Perhaps Pay Your Fair Share and End Endless War.
Police Herding/Arresting Protestors on Brooklyn Bridge. Remy Benoit
What happened to the right of peaceful assemblage?
AT RSN By Colin Moynihan, The New York Times Police Arresting Protestors on Brooklyn Bridge.
Perhaps we need to do more to support them. Write your Reps, your Senators, and remind them of Free Speech.
It is, indeed, decision time. Democracy or Plutocracy? Just how far do they reach?. Remy Benoit
At RSN Asjylyn Loder and David Evans, Bloomberg Markets Magazine Koch Brothers Flout Law With Secret Iran Sales. Laws are made for all of us.
Taking home improperly...time to speak up, America. Remy Benoit
At RSN for Pro Publica Paul Kiel Secret Docs Show Foreclosure Watchdog Doesn’t Bark or Bite.
Greed consumes big business, big banks. Enough doesn't seem to be enough. You have to tell them you have had enough.
Michael Moore: Occupy Everywhere!. Remy Benoit
At RSN Occupy Everywhere.
Dr. Paula Caplan: Government Mistreatment of Women Exposed. Remy Benoit
Our soldiers are subjected to rape by their comrades in arms. That is unacceptable. This message from Dr. Caplan speaks to something else that is unacceptable.
At Psychology Today Government Exposure of Women Exposed.
We need to ask ourselves how we raise our sons that they so treat women.
Paul Krugman: Confronting the Malefactors. Remy Benoit
NY Times at RSN Confronting the Malefactors.
Pat Garofalo: 11 Facts About the Biggest Banks. Remy Benoit
From Think Progress at RSN 11 Facts About the Biggest Banks.
Are our soldiers fighting for democracy or to support a plutocracy?
Chris Hedges: Why the Elites are in Trouble. Remy Benoit
At RSN Why the Elites are in Trouble.
This country needs to reform oh so many things. The only way to get it the attention it needs seems to be from the voice of The People, not those who have taken power, jobs, homes, freedom from them.
We send our soldiers abroad to try to facilitate democracy; it is our job to defend it here.
Jon Stewart: Parks and Demonstration.
At Tom Dispatch Ariel Dorfman The Warning that Occupy Wall Street Has for Barack Obama. Where is the "We Can"?
Eve Ensler: Ambiguous UpSparkles From the Heart of the Park. Remy Benoit
At Huffington Post Surprising UpSparkles From the Heart of the Park.
William Rivers Pitt: A Delicate Moment for the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Remy Benoit
At Truthout A Delicate Moment for the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
Should the political parties who have not used their voices for The People be welcomed now?
Or replaced with new candidates, with a new program?
Steve Fraser: The All-American Occupation: A Century of Our Streets vs. Wall Street. Remy Benoit
Tom Dispatch at Truthout The All-American Occupation: A Century of Our Streets vs. Wall Street.
Edgar Sandoval, John Doyle and Helen Kennedy: Police Vow to Evict Wall Street Protesters Friday Morning. Remy Benoit
At RSN Police Vow to Evict Wall Street Protesters Friday Morning.
Why is NY, why is Wall Street so afraid of the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE? STAY STRONG. KEEP DEMOCRACY.
Tom Morello Sings "This Land is Your Land...". Remy Benoit
At RSN This Land is Your Land...
Chris Hedges: A Movement Too Big To Fail. Remy Benoit
Truthdig at RSN A Movement Too Big To Fail.
Cristian Salazar: Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie Join Occupy Wall Street. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie John Occupy Wall Street.
Veteran in critical condition in Oakland from police actions. Remy Benoit
At Move On Veteran wounded by police at occupy Oakland.
OCCUPY DENVER!. Remy Benoit
It seems that local police departments are not taking Constitutional Rights, First Amendment Rights seriously, be it in NY or Denver or anywhere else the 99% are expressing their views.
Because of police actions a veteran of two tours now cannot speak because of injuries perpetrated by overbearing police activities. Is that how we say Thank you for your service?
Michael Moore: Occupy Oakland!. Remy Benoit
At Truthout There's No Turning Back.
This land is YOUR LAND! When this country was started, almost all abroad said it would fail as an experiment in democracy. It hasn't...it has been side-tracked for the few, now it is being taken back by the other 99%.
It is not just Oakland; it is not just Wall Street; it is Denver, and many others. This is what happened in Denver. Is this the American Dream, or Americans who are claiming their dream? At RSN Occupy Denver.
Drones in the homeland?. Remy Benoit
There is much controversy about the use of drones in war; there will be more about using drones in the homeland. At RSN, Stephen Dean KRPC Houston
New Texas Police Drone Could Carry Weapons.
General Strike Oakland. Remy Benoit
At RSN Oakland General Strike Paralyses City Port.
Bill Moyers: Our Politicians are Money Launderers in the Trafficking of Power and Policy. Remy Benoit
At Truthout How Did It Happen?
Chris Hedges: Finding Freedom in Handcuffs. Remy Benoit
At RSN Chris Hedges, Truthdig, Finding Freedom in Handcuffs.
Frances Fox Piven: The War Against the Poor. Remy Benoit
At OpEd News, Tom Dispatch The War Against the Poor.
Also Nationwide General Strike Called for November 28.
Chris Parsons: "too poor to live through the winter". Remy Benoit
From the Daily Mail, UK Army veteran and his wife die in "suicide pact" after becoming "too poor to live through the winter."
From Zaid Jilani at Think Progress Occupy Atlanta Encamps in Neighborhood to Save Police Officers Home from
Foreclosure.
This economic nightmare is not impacting those who created it. It is impacting all the rest of us. The only way out of it is to see to it that our neighbors are eating, have heat and water and the other basic necessities, while at the same time we make it clear that the free ride is over.
Why is there no Occupy St. Augustine? My folks live there, tell me there are so many looking for work, living outside, begging for work, asking for help to eat. Where are you St. Augustine? Move On it!
Michael Parenti: Occupy America. Remy Benoit
At Common Dreams Occupy America.
The weather grows cold. Have you asked yourself where people are living who have had their homes foreclosed? Have you asked yourself if they are eating? If their children, or they, need medical, spiritual, physical help?
Have you asked yourself if those who head up corporations are asking themselves those questions?
Craig Whitlock and Greg Jaffe: Remains of War Dead Dumped in Landfill. Remy Benoit
At the Washington Post Remains of War Dead Dumped in Landfill. Horror and outrage do not even begin to cover this. It is just about Veterans Day now, just a few hours. We really need to think about what we commit our blood and lives to; we really need to think about love, care, understanding, respect, peace. Perhaps we could work harder for peace. That would be our legacy to our young rather than asking blood sacrifice of them on the altars of war.
Malvina Reynolds: We Hate to See Them Go. Remy Benoit
At You Tube We Hate to See Them Go.
Yasha Levine: Koch Family Empire Building. Remy Benoit
At RSN Koch Family Empire Building.
Tom Kellar: Occupy Movement Getting the Message Out. Remy Benoit
From The Union at Common Dreams Occupy Movement Getting the Message Out.
The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water; together they make a force of incredible strength. The same is true of your voice joining millions of others to make the 1% "get it" that we are America.
Preparing for Massive OCCUPY. Remy Benoit
Mike Ludwig at Truthout Occupy Movement Prepares Mass Action Day in Defiance of Crackdowns.
Robert Reich at RSN Occupiers Occupied: Hijacking the First Amendment.
Post-traumatic stress and family help. Remy Benoit
If you have someone coming home, or already home, with post-traumatic stress, there is help here.
Family of Heroes.
While our soldiers fight for freedom, 84 year old woman, pregnant woman, and priest pepper sprayed in Seattle. Remy Benoit
From Dashiell Bennett, The Atlantic, at RSN 84 year old woman now the pepper sprayed face of Seattle.
Around the world our soldiers fight, have fought, for freedom, for democracy, for the First Amendment. What is it that law officials don't get about that? What is it about The Voice of the People that is so frightening to those who wish to control the other 99%? Could it be that "they" fear that other people might have roofs over their heads, food on their tables, health insurance? Do "they" fear that there is not enough for them if others have warm meals, warm beds, are able to sleep without worries that someone in their families might get sick and
that they could not afford the medical bills?
What is wrong with the picture of gold faucets and multiple houses when others are being evicted because of bad mortgages? What is wrong with the picture of golden parachutes when unemployment lines are so long?
What is wrong with the picture of a Gulf filled with oil spill, huge profits on oil, and a proposed very dangerous tar sands pipeline?
What is wrong with endless wars and insanely high profits for companies while soldiers lose their homes, their arms, their legs, their brains, their lives?
What is wrong with pepper spraying an 84 year old woman, a pregnant woman, a man of the cloth?
If these are questions that rumble in your head and heart, well then, you are one of the 99% and what are you going to do to find the answers?
Randall Amster: Welcome Home: Building an Inclusive Movement for the 99 percent. Remy Benoit
Fellowship of Reconciliation at Truthout Welcome Home: Building an Inclusive Movement for the 99 %.
Michael Moore: Where Does Occupy Wall Street Go From Here?. Remy Benoit
At OpEdNews A Proposal by Michael Moore.
It is Thanksgiving, a time to give thanks for our Constitution, for a republican form of government that always must be protected by THE PEOPLE.
It is a time to give thanks for the loves in our lives and this Thanksgiving Eve I wish to pay tribute to our beloved cat, Brujita, who passed last night after giving us so much love and joy.
American Hero Quilts. Remy Benoit
There are many ways of saying thank you for all that you have done. The recipients of an American Hero Quilt have given much and so deserve the honor.
American Hero Quilts.
My dear friend, Sgt. Christopher Gaynor has become the recipient of one of these quilts and, as always, I am so very proud of him.
Is this the freedom our soldiers are fighting for?. Remy Benoit
That people at home, that people anywhere, are on a battleground and can be detained without rights, without due process, without their Constitutional rights?
At RSN, from the ACLU, Chris Anders Senate Bill: America is now part of the Battlefield.
Military Brain Testing for Injuries. Remy Benoit
At NPR Military Brain Testing a Debacle.
William J. Astore: Fighting 1% Wars. Remy Benoit
Fron Tom Dispatch at RSN Fighting 1% Wars.
Jim Garrison: Obama's Most Fateful Decision. Remy Benoit
At Huffington Post Obama's Most Fateful Decision.
U.S. Troops Leave Iraq. Remy Benoit
At CNN Deadly Iraq War Ends With Exit of Last U.S. Troops.
And now we should be asking what this war cost in terms of lives, injuries, post-traumatic stress and perhaps be more cautious when we accept "evidence" for what exists, or doesn't.
To those of us who served, thank you, welcome home, and prayers stay with you.
Taps.
What can you do for peace?. Remy Benoit
Peace is a way of life; it is following the true dictates of each religion-love thy neighbor. Forgive; feed the hungry; help thy neighbor
Would you rather plant a seed to feed the hungry or pay taxes to build bombs to tear the planet and all the life forms on it?
Kindness is so much easier than hate. It is also much, much healthier for you and for others.
When we use weapons of war we not only kill the enemy, we tear the earth, kill multitudes of other life forms and suffer the butterfly effect of all of it.
When we mistreat the earth, we kill ourselves, our planet.
Kindness is easier. Watching fruit and vegetables grow is so good for us; watching homes blow up, children starve is not good for anyone.
What can you do for peace this holiday season?
Be peace, spread it, grow it, nourish it, and learn compassion. Compassion breeds more peace.
Peace with each other, with the planet should be the basis of every political platform; not greed, not hate, not nature destructive, people destructive negativity. Demand truth, not political double speak. Seek out war profiteers for expsoure and responsibility. Demand lobbyists leave D.C. Demand no insider trading for Congress.
Demand health care for all. Thy neighbor as thyself love.
We simply don't have the time to not learn at this point. Just that simple.
Peace is not an answer, it is the answer, at home, abroad, and even into space.
Share your milk and cookies, share your love.
Demand that those who sap your energy, profit from your work, leave you without homes, without jobs pay for their avarice.
Grow life rather than spreading planetary death.
Michael Moore: Here Comes Trouble: Stories From My Life. Remy Benoit
From Michael Moore Here Comes Trouble.
Something to look forward to..... Remy Benoit
Just about a year from now The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Welcome Home. Remy Benoit
To all of you just coming home from Iraq, welcome home, blessings for you and your families.
To those of you serving abroad, be safe, know you are in our prayers.
Carl Gibson: Occupy the Dinner Table. Remy Benoit
At RSN Occupy the Dinner Table.
Bernie Sanders: 2012 Where do we go from here?. Remy Benoit
At RSN 2012 Where do we go from here?.
What can you do to help others? Ask your market manager to put up a food donation box to be distributed through a local group to those who can't afford food. Take donations to a local thrift shop of clothing, books, household items you no longer use. Make sure a neighbor has food and heat; adopt a stray animal. Help a neighbor fix a car, shovel a driveway of snow; develop a sense of local and national community.
How many of our towns are literally ghost towns due to businesses being undercut price wise by
huge corporations? How can those empty shops be
opened to seed exchanges, book stores, health and dental clinics, music shops, art and antique shops, further education? Chaperone a dance for teenagers; create a cross-generational event for letting us elder folk share experiences and give guidance and love to the young ones.
What needs doing in your neighborhood? Is there a little park for kids? Is there vacant ground for a victory garden to help cancel out hunger?
The world we live in is the world we make.
Monte L. Witcher: Cleared Hot: A Story of the Battle of Observation Post 4. Remy Benoit
Dear Ms. Benoit,
It is with great pleasure and honor, that I present to you the book " Cleared Hot" a story of the battle of Observation Post 4. This epic story of the brave Marines of Delta Co. 3rd. light armored infantry is a story about a true incident that occurred during the first gulf war. On January 29, 1991, Delta Company was surprise attacked by an over whelming superior in numbers force of Iraqi main battle tanks, reinforced with infantry. Twenty one LAV 25's supported by 8 LAV tow variants engaged this tank force, head on outnumbered Delta Co. went toe to toe at point blank range to repulse the attack into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At stake as well was a trapped platoon of reconnaissance Marines which had been over run at the "Berm entry Gates" of Observation Post 4.
Heroic action by Marines and the commanders on the ground at OP-4 won the day, after an all night fire fight, and air attack, Delta Company was eventually able to save all the trapped platoon of Marines on the berm, but not without the loss of 11 US Marines from Delta Company. The morning of January 30, 1991, reveled the intensity of the most incredible exchange of fire between the 2 forces. I was a driver on one of the LAV 25's that night, my vehicle gunner expired all rounds but save 10 from the gun magazine from our 25 mm chain gun. It was an unbelievable battle, of which I was able to record on tape while fighting this battle. Readers will be privy to this tape through my web site Cleared Hot.. They will receive login and passwords to the battle audio in their book.
I wrote this book as to let this story be told, and not to simply slip away in time. The events,and the Marines, as well as the huge loss of men on the Iraqi's side, should be remembered in the annals of history. I have been moved by the memory of this day, and following morning to find the discipline to write about it. Now it is here for all to study and reflect.
On February 24, 1991, 1 month later the ground invasion would take place. My company, drew the nickname "Tip of the Spear" I was there in the lead element of the 100 hour blitz into downtown Kuwait. I am writing my second book entitled "WolfPack, Invaders of Kuwait" about this invasion. I also made a descriptive tape of the entire invasion, this to will be included with my next book.
This is real history Ms. Benoit, at a bulls eye level. I'm proud to share my story with you. I am grateful for your help more than words can express. This is a tale of remembrance of the brave US Marines that were my brothers, we lost.
Thank you,
Monte L. Witcher
Norman Lear: Fighting the Good Fight. Remy Benoit
At RSN Fighting the Good Fight.
It is New Year's Eve. Tomorrow we wake with a clean slate for the way of life we make. We can choose to continue be exploited by an insatiable few, or we can build a sense of local, national, or international community. As one dear friend of mine, Former Sgt. Christopher Gaynor tells me: Act locally, think globally.
Alan Cohen: What you make of it.. Remy Benoit
It is 2012 and I am still not used to the 2000 numbering, a child of the last century who came of age in the tumultous 60's. There was a dream, a vision there that today seems more challenged than ever; but a dream, an idea, a word that is placed into the air does come to term.
We face great challenges: war, famine, climate change, water shortages, robber barons, unemployment, Constitutional integrity. What the outcome of these things and all other is, well, is, as always, up to us to choose.
From Alan Cohen at Innerself.com What you make of it.
Blessings for peace, abundance, health, and joy.
Miz' Remy
Tanuka Loha: American Paradox. Remy Benoit
Human Rights Now at RSN American Paradox: 18.5 million vacant homes and 35 million homeless.
Have you asked yourself why.... Remy Benoit
there are 35 million homeless Americans?
Have you asked yourself who is REALLY responsible for that?
Have you asked yourself who of the above are running for office?
If you haven't, it is time you did.
Who does the US belong to? The People or Big Oil?. Remy Benoit
From the Guardian at RSN XL Pipeline Oil Chief Threatens Obama.
Does the environment mean nothing to these people?
Guess we know the answer to that.
Cities and States Take on Citizens United to Say Democracy is NOT for Sale. Remy Benoit
From Brooke Jarvis, YES! at RSN Sticking It To Citizens United.
From the Louisville Triple Crown.com by Kim Jong Paul Rep. Yarmuth proposes Constitutional Amendment to Combat Citizens United Decision.
MONEY TO INFLUENCE ELECTIONS ON A COLOSSAL SCALE IS NOT FREE SPEECH, IT IS ABUSE OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM. AS CORPORATIONS DO NOT BREATHE, EAT, LAUGH, CRY, MAKE LOVE, GET SICK, DIE THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE. ENOUGH DOUBLE SPEAK. PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE, JUST THAT SIMPLE. ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE, NOT MILLIONS TO BUY VOTES.
Wayne Drash: Poor, but feeding the rich. Remy Benoit
From Wayne Drash, CNN, at RSN Poor, but feeding the rich.
Each time I go to the market the prices have gone up. We don't buy any prepared foods, make our own bread, and I just picked 5 oranges from my greenhouse where I am growing food. There is something so sadly and dangerously missing in our country and that is soul and heart and compassion on the part of the 1%. Can they not see that there is only so much that one needs, that others must eat, have a roof over their heads?
What are our soldiers coming home to? No jobs, foreclosed homes, post-traumatic stress to make re-adjustment just so much more difficult. Where are those who sent these men and women to war when it comes to them coming home and needing help?
Where are those who own these mega corporations to which they have managed to apply personhood when they fail to recognize that there are real hurting, breathing people around them that their greed has destroyed the lives of?
I am already tired of the campaigning, the outpour of platitudes, double speak, and endless requests for donations when the rest of us struggle to pay medical bills, the electric, the mortgage, the food. They want us to donate to the wealth they already have; to work they are not doing for us; to compassion that they don't have.
What is spent by Citizens United to buy elections would be better spent to create jobs and feed people.
These people are not giants, not heroes, they are insatiable power and wealth addicts.
Sonewhere we must in this coming year show the 1% that power with is life; power over is destruction, and destroyers do come to the day when the price for the destruction must be paid.
Call it 'what goes around, comes around'; call it karma; call it weighing the heart against a feather as the old Egyptian way, the bill must
be paid. The bill will be oh so high. We are all one; we are responsible for each other as part of the whole; we can no longer permit rampant cells in the One to devour us. We don't need politicos, tried and true only to their own power and wealth, not ours, proven to be so many, many times over. To rid the One of these rampant cells we must set the example, live the compassionate life, help one another with love, with peace, with communication-real communication, not election blather that goes nowhere, says nothing, accomplishs nothing but division and pain.
We don't need or want that pipeline; we do need our Gulf, our levees, our roads, our dams, our bridges rebuilt.
We don't need endless war. We need real statesmen who don't us the "fists" of guns and drones and bombs, but responsible, construction action. We need them to understand that war is a failure of diplomacy, a horrid, insane thing that eats lives, eats dreams, eats hopes, eats possible accomplishments that will never be, and eats the earth herself.
We need to grow beyond where we are quagmired in endless words that say and do nothing from our leaders.
And one other thing. Why ask people what $40 today means to them; what food it puts on the table, what shoes it buys, what tiny bit of a medical bill it pays, and then send out a mailing asking for donations STARTING at $50? The gap there in reality, in compassion, is so blatant.
Our Constitution Itself Holds the Cure to Stop the Buying of Elections!. Remy Benoit
James Marc Leas at Truthout Constitutional Amendment Not Needed; Congress Already Has a Remedy.
If you are tired of billions of dollars making their votes more important than yours, tell your Congressman to read the Constitution and stand up for democracy. There is something more important than power and dollars, and that is freedom. Every day your rights are being infringed upon; every day your vote counts less, unless you say NO MORE!
12 Simple Steps for Gong Green in 2012. Remy Benoit
From World Watch Institute at Mother Earth News 12 Simple Steps for Going Green.
We are being buried in empty campaign rhetoric, divisive, delusional, and destructive. The simple fact is 1% has too much, wants more, and wants you to believe by letting them not pay their fair share they are helping you. Well, here there are buds on the rose bushes, on the Dawn Redwoods; the robins are back and we can take all the campaign rhetoric and throw it on the compost to enrich it with its dirge of "me first, you be quiet."
I am just out of the ICU and hospital. If I wasn't paying outrageous sumss for insurance, I would be dead. Just that simple. NO ONE SHOULD BE WITHOUT MEDICAL CARE. NO ONE SHOULD BE HUNGRY. NO ONE SHOULD BE HOMELESS WHILE OTHERS HAVE NUMBEROUS HOMES. That is not the American dream; living on the street, going hungry, not having medical care, being unable to find a job, NOT BEING ABLE TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN: THOSE THINGS ARE NOT THE AMERICAN DREAM.
Platitudes, double speak, empty promises, are not helpful. The suits the prospective candidates are wearing could feed a family for a month in comparable cost.
We do not need a man older than me whose record is already unacceptable. We need new paradigms; we need to grow food in our fields, in our kitchens, on our patios and share it. We need to stand up and help each other with car repairs, health care, whatever it takes for us to make it.
We have to look around and ask what we have that we don't use that someone else can and give it to them.
We need to make these prospective candidates know that empty words, empty promises equal empty stomachs. Just that simple.
Veterans "Make the Connection". Remy Benoit
Review: Jess E. Weiss: Warrior to Spiritual Warrior. Remy Benoit
World War 11 was war, total war of the world. It was not an alien invasion starting on the air waves in New Jersey, but was rooted in a punitive peace from another total war. World War 1 was supposed to end all wars. It was grounded in retribution, in avarice, in fear. And like all fear it fed upon itself in economic depression, in failures of diplomacy, in greed, in scapegoat, in hate, in murder, and in totalitarianism.
The armistice period between these two world wars came to an end on September 1, 1939 with the German Wehrmacht invading Poland; tanks, infantry against cavalry. On that day the tentative and false peace came to an end.
The Blitzkrieg began on May 10, 1940 against Belgium and the Netherlands; Paris was occupied on June 14th; the armistice between France and Germany signed on June 22.
On June 22, 1941, the night of the “white lights” the night of the midnight sun in Petrograd, Operation Barbarous went into operation with Germany invading the Soviet Union.
Here at home in the States the dilemma of war bred discussion, dissention, and political unrest. With the European war spreading there came the demise of the German American Bund, Pulley's Silver Shirts. The reprimand of Father Coughlin by the Vatican for his reranting had already come in 1936. The America Firsters wanted no involvement in the European conflict. But the German submarines; the possibilities of trans-Atlantic flight; the alliances between the Axis powers of Germany, Japan, and Italy were quite apparently going to bring the war to the United States.
The American Japanese were interred in prison camps; the racism obvious as this was not done to Italian or German Americans. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was at war, in shock, despite the historical fact that the Japanese had done the same thing in 1904 at Port Arthur to the Russians.
Despite the horrific losses of soldiers in World War I, despite the shell shock of veterans, untreated for the most part, sometimes treated with electric shock, despite the incredible monetary costs, the world was at war again, learning nothing from the war to end all wars.
Battle names became as common place as victory gardens. Love letters went back and forth, highly censored. Combat in North Africa, in Sicily was known to Jess Weiss; Normandy came next for him. What can be said about the horrors of the landing on the five beachheads at Normandy? That the tides ran red with blood; that wave after wave of soldiers left landing craft, many to never even make it to shore, cut down as one might take a scythe to trim off high weeds? Total war, but who could even begin to compare that to the “sacrifices” at home with food, fuel rationing; with shortened shirts to save material; with my Granny Eva sewing parachutes, while Granny Agnes served as an air raid warden; where kids gave their pennies to buy victory bonds? Where landing craft were being built down here in New Orleans; where U-boats cruised the Atlantic and Gulf Coast lines? Those in combat knew hell. Those here at home knew doing without this and that. Those at home waited, dreaded the knock on the door; dreaded the telegram-We regret to inform you...
How does any of that compare to body parts being blown asunder on five beaches with the Germans high up firing relentlessly? Where personal survival became the order of the day? Where as Jess so eloquently puts it, one has buddies here today gone tomorrow; not friends, friends last, friends imply long term relationships.
Into France; Jess is welcomed by wine, the French, the celebration of freedom again spreading. On to Germany, more battles, endless blood seeping into French, Dutch, Belgian, German soil again, were changing the earth for ever. Blood of enemies becoming part of the soil; seeping into food growing, cattle grazing, over the years making us who feud even more connected. Making us all one in the midst of slaughter.
Where does the mind stop being able to cope with this by doing anything but storing it in mental compartments; compartments feared to be opened again; compartments aside from anything one who has not been there can even begin to understand? And yet communicate with our veterans we must.
Home again, after years apart; home again, get on with it. No name for it then. No name for the things that made soldiers walk the streets at night; made soldiers unable to relate to diapers, grocery lists, the mundane when during their service life was on such an easily broken thread. Bombs falling from the sky, droning on and on were worse even than the long range Big Bertha had been in World War 1. Bombs causing fires; bombs falling as babies were born in the underground in London. Bombs eating French, Dutch, Belgian, German, Polish, Austrian, Italian, Russian, Estonian, Latvian, Finnish farms, homes, cities. Special units, Einsatzgruppen death squads of SS. Huge holes with limed over bodies full of bullet holes. As decorate Viet Nam veteran John Cory says, “War is holes. “ War Holes.
Concentration camps liberated.
War is insanity set loose. Jess kept a diary from Omaha Beach D-Day; to the day he was wounded. Day by day death and war is there for you. Home again, hair triggered just as are our veterans now; just as those of my generation of Viet Nam veterans. Veterans of all wars asking: WHY? WHY was all that I saw? Why was all that I knew? Veterans of all wars asking: Who am I now, who am I now, after all that I have seen, after all that I have known; after all that I had to do to stay alive? WHY did I live when my buddies met such terrible deaths? WHY is there such evil, such real evil that I have seen in the world? AND WHERE WAS GOD IN ALL THIS?
Jess Weiss was there: in North Africa, in Sicily, at Normandy, into Germany. He knew it all, brought all of it home with him; struggled with it; was plagued by all of it. And then he found peace; spiritual peace that brought him to write this book that can be life changing for veterans. I am not one to say that easily. Warrior to Spiritual Warrior can change lives. It doesn't matter which war was your war; it does matter if you are seeking answers. It does matter if you are seeking peace.
Jess is 96 now. He is still there for you; still trying to share his long journey home with you. Read this book, change your life; change the lives of those who love you by taking a spiritual journey to peace. Plow the road of all that has remained to be a constant mine field for you, and replace those residual mines, those Bouncing Betties, those IEDs with peace. Take a walk to peace with this incredible World War II veteran who knew it all, learned something from it, and offers you his findings, his peace, his mentorship page by page, pain by pain, to peace. Become a Spiritual Warrior and then pass that knowing along to others. Jess has your back; you can do for others what he can do for you with this book. Read it, now.
*****
Nicholas D. Kristof: A Veteran's Death, a Nation's Shame. Remy Benoit
AT the NY Times A Veteran's Death, A Nation's Shame.
Monte Anderson: Angels and Gargoyles. Remy Benoit
Meet author, Monte Anderson. You may read his delightful novellette Angels and Gargoyles. at no cost to you! Enjoy it, I did!
And a challenge to his brothers for whom No Task Too Great from Miz' Remy. There is an enormous amount of writing talent in this Class of '68, so, to start, I would like to see at least a dozen novels, chapbooks, non-fiction from some of you this year.
"Yes, Sir. No excuse, Sir."
Love to all of you!
Again, meet Monte Anderson.
As a second generation military man, Monte had seen quite a bit of the world and the United States by the time he entered high school. He carried on the family tradition by attending the Military Academy at West Point, New York where he earned his BS in Engineering, and, upon graduation in 1968, was commissioned a 2LT in the U.S. Army.
His twenty-two years career carried him to many parts of the world including Viet Nam, Korea, and Germany. He became a student of history, particularly military history. As an Infantry officer, Monte developed an understanding of military tactics and strategy. This knowledge was put to good use when he was assigned as an instructor at the Army Command and General Staff College where he taught tactics to the Army’s future staff officers and generals for three years. He also studied the martial arts, earning a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and taught wrestling, self-defense, and coached the West Point Karate club at the Military Academy.
Although he has written many things for the military, and has been published in Army magazine and the Corps of Engineers Journal, Archimedes of Syracuse: The Chest of Ideas. if his first novel. Archimedes is the first time Monte has been able to combine all the things he loves; engineering, tactics, strategy, mathematics, history, food, martial arts, and of course, romance. Monte published his first ebook Angels and Gargoyles. in April of 2012. He has a second novel, The Clone Murders, that is ready to be published.
Monte resides in Elmira, New York with his wife, Kathryn and their two rescued greyhounds. Between Monte and Kathryn, they have six children and four grandchildren..
Doug Pibel: No Tax Dollars for Deadbeats. But Who are they really?. Remy Benoit
From Yes Magazine No Tax Dollars for Deadbeats.
Also at Yes Chuck Collins Putting Corporate Tax Dodging on the Table.
Jon Stewart Wait. Who's Greedy?
How much help our veterans need is obvious. Corporate taxes would help them re-adjust to civilian life.Democracy or Plutocracy?. Remy Benoit
Will this country belong to The People or to the 1%?
From Jim Hightower at RSN The Citizens United Gang.
To the Lonely Writer: Need a Review for Your Book?. Remy Benoit
To the Lonely Writer
Writing a book is sometimes the easy part of becoming an author. The real work comes in marketing your work and making enough sales to at least cover your costs.
The foundation of your marketing plan should be obtaining reviews. Reviews give you social proof that your book is worth the investment of the reader’s time and money. Reviews of a pre-published manuscript can also save the author the heartbreak of discovering his/her writing needs more tuning after the book is bound and sent to market.
Obtaining reviews beyond friends and family is a frustrating and sometimes expensive endeavor. Readers say they will write and post a review, but many times the task goes wanting.
Writer’s Review was conceived to bring authors together to read, review, and post reviews. This syndicate will also benefit from marketing tips, outstanding ways to get your book noticed, and other important information and services.
Please visit Writer's Review. for more information. You will find a sign up form and complete description of what the effort is all about.
To your writing success.
CW Standiford
BURY ME WITH SOLDIERS
TRAIL OF BONES
THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE AMERICAN VISA EXPERIENCE
SURVIVAL SKILLS, The Art of Your Survival
And other titles
Stephen King: Tax Me, for F@%&'s Sake!. Remy Benoit
At RSN Stephen King: Tax Me, for F@%&'s Sake!.
Mr. King tells many stories...of horror, of evil coming into its due. Each day things grow more difficult for the 99%; the banks ever asking more fees; rates for this and that going up; food prices absurdly high. Politicians are trying to buy elections with vicious campaigns. I am not young anymore. Often I do not even recognize this country. And you cannot blame it on hippies, or immigrants, or on anyone but those who will never be satisfied with the wealth, with what they wish to strip from the earth with no concern for her, for their own children and grandchildren.
And yet, as an historian, I do know that there comes a turning point where people say enough, wake up to lies, to greed, to those who will not see the wake they leave behind their plowing roads to yet another house, another dozen bathrooms with gold fixtures.
Scapegoating, placing blame on the blameless, only goes so far. What can you do in the face of all this? Help a neighbor, grow a garden this summer; vote rationally, look at campaign ads to see just how big the lies are, and ask why? If proposals do not help you, your neighbors, your great-grandchildren then they need rewriting; they need you to say, WE THE PEOPLE say UNITED WE STAND; not a handful of United Citizens with an agenda. No one should do else but pay their fair share; those who have must give back to balance the heart of the country. How do we show them to have heart? By living by ours, by teaching by deeds not words; by saying no more free rides with our votes.
What are we eating, breathing, and why?. Remy Benoit
There is light rain here today; the vegetable garden is enjoying it. Most of the seeds are heritage seeds, each with their own history, their own fascinating stories. The corn is not yet 'high as an elephant's eye' but it is growing...without pesticides, without genetic modified seeds.
Once upon a time, most of the people here grew their own food. That is no longer true. Now we have agro-business and have lost any control, except for not buying it, of what goes into what we eat. Yet if you have a 4x6 piece of grass, a window box, a pation you can do your own victory garden over chemical foods and outrageous produce
prices.
At RSN Russ Choma: Monsanto's Deep Roots in Washington.
At Common Dreams Monsanto, Agent Orange Creator, Returns To Vietnam
Monsanto ready to sell GM crops and weed-killing chemicals in Vietnam; Many outraged.
From the Aspen Institute Agent Orange and U.S. Veterans.
From Birth Defects for Children, Inc.Veterans.
The sky is falling and it and the ground are filled with things that are not life friendly. Yet another reason to demand an end to lobbying in D.C. Just how much more power a unified The People would have if we worked together for health; for peace; for prosperity for all, not the 1%. When you think about it, Viet Nam, like Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, SE Asia, Korea, Europe, etc. have forever changed as their earth is filled with American blood. How do we honor that which connects us, which tears our hearts, minds, and souls and those of so many others? If we cared for the planet, we would be caring for each other and ending endless war and pollution of our earth and ourselves. If one million signature won't get their attention, perhaps we need ten million? Get to it.
Or we can do nothing and allow the chemicals to win. At RSN Alexander Cockburn: When Half a Million Americans Died and Nobody Noticed. BTW while I was taking Crestor I developed horrid pain in my hands, which disappeared when I stopped. If you are suffering, look to your medications. As they say, read the manual for side effects.
Paul Buchheit: Five Facts That Put America to Shame.. Remy Benoit
At RSN Five Facts That Put America to Shame.
Yet these are only five.
There is the fact that our veterans do not get the care that they deserve.
There is the fact that our soldiers are called back for additional tours without concern for their combat or family problem stress levels.
There is the fact that many of those who run huge corporations do not care for Mother Nature, nor the next seven generations, nor do many of them pay any taxes. David Sassoon, Inside Climate News Koch Brothers' Industries Protects Their Fifty Year Stake in Canadian Heavy Oils.
We are faced with being sold genetically altered food without its being labeled, so go to Just Label It. and sign on.
There is the fact that the news is entertainment,
biased at that, and not doing in depth reporting.
There is the fact that lobbyists should not be allowed in D.C. to influence Congress which is
supposed to represent The PEOPLE not the corporations.
There is the fact that our infrastructure needs
serious work.
There is the fact that those with vested interests work much harder for war than they do for peace.
There is the fact that big banks are out of control and seek only high profits, wanting to give nothing back for all the bailouts handed to them but miniscule interest rates, high fees, and high credit card rates.
There is the fact that each and every soldier we
send to war is an individual person, not a number, not collateral damage, not just an expendable piece of munition.
There is the fact that we go to war without viable exit plans in place, or clearly stated objectives. Costs of War.
There is hunger in the world, there is hunger in America for one in every six people, one in every five children. Feeding America.
There is the fact that we allow all of this and so, so much more.
Feel free to comment and add to this list.
Misha Collins: Random Acts. Remy Benoit
This is a time in our country when Random Acts of kindness and love of life are so needed. Join actor Misha Collins in helping others. When you help others, you truly help yourself.
The Random Act.
All that is, is One
Peace, Miz' Remy
Your donations to my work enable me to help our veterans find their way home. Thank you so much.
Win Over PTSD: The realities of being a veteran. Remy Benoit
These are the numbers of those with whom I work everyday. The numbers don't tell you of the physical pain, the mental anguish, the torn souls.
They do not speak to the cancers and Parkinsons from Agent Orange or more recent toxins faced by our veterans. They don't speak to generational birth defects. They don't speak to the tinnitus that can get so bad that it quite literally breaks the mind. It is time to wake up to what happens to those we send to war. It is time to demand proper care at all levels for them.
At Win Over PTSD Some Disturbing Facts About Our Viet Nam Veterans.
Your donations help me to carry on my work with veterans. Thank you so much.
Veteran Pain at NATO Summit in Chicago. Remy Benoit
Reporting from the UK at RSN, Bernard Harcourt
US War Veterans Tossing Medals Back at NATO Was Heroic.
War is a terrible thing. It is said that courage is showing up no matter how scared you are. But too, you must live with whatever happens afterwards. You, as a civilian can help. Read this book by Dr. Paula Caplan When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans.
Writing helps veterans recover from war, from post-traumatic stress. I work with veterans each day to tell their stories. If you are thinking of writing a book, I can help you. Veterans are always half price. Your Words, Your Way.
Your donations help me continue my daily work with veterans around the world. Thank you so much!
Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968 (Edited by Remy Benoit).
Read Jerry Wenstrom's review of Loving.
Rhea and Jordan Devereaux had it all: undying devotion, a tender love, and a grand passion. And then the Vietnam War separated them. Follow the course of their love across time and space. Journey with them through the steaming jungle; dance with the Mardi Gras revelers while revolution unseats Louis XVI and protestors on the Washington Mall scream, Hell, NO. We won't Go. Sail with Laffite's pirates into Devil's Isle and rejoice as an unconditional and timeless love emerges victorious.
Purchase a signed first edition of Loving for $20 including S&H:
%20arrive%20before%20a%20meeting%20at%20the%20Chancellery%20in%20Berlin%20June%207,%202006.%20The%20terms%20of%20an%20offer%20of%20incentives%20delivered%20to%20Iran%20this%20week%20to%20end%20the%20dispute%20over%20its%20nuclear%20programme%20could%20be%20negotiated%20but%20only%20if%20Tehran%20suspended%20its%20nuclear%20enrichment%20activities%20first,%20Merkel%20said%20on%20Wednesday.%20REUTERS/Arnd%20Wiegmann){kind=link}
